Battle for the soul of Texas: Paxton vs Talarico gets more frantic by the day and official polls can’t call it… but HARRIET ALEXANDER discovers which way the signs are really pointing

Early voting in Texas began with record turnout as Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico held competing rallies in Fort Worth, reflecting an unexpectedly close Senate race. The contest matters nationally because a Democratic win in Texas could put Republican control of the Senate at risk.

Talarico, 37, drew an estimated 1,450 people to a school gym, while Paxton, 63, reportedly addressed about 350 in a ballroom. Recent polls have the candidates neck and neck, despite Donald Trump winning Texas with just over 56 per cent in 2024; the article also says Elon Musk has put $158 million into the race.