PoliticsUS midterms 2026: Texas is the big prize, but can Democrats finally claim it?

Republicans face an unexpectedly tough contest in Texas as Democrats seek major gains in the 2026 US midterms. The Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is the main contest. Talarico hopes to become the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988. Immigration, rising living costs and Donald Trump’s policies are shaping the campaign.