Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico will face off in what could be a competitive Texas Senate race.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, waves as he takes the stage during a primary runoff election night event after winning the Republican party's nomination in Plano, Texas, on Tuesday.Tony Gutierrez / APMay 27, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTBy Yasmin Vossoughian and Emily NgoThe stage is set for a Senate showdown of Texan proportions between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. President Donald Trump-endorsed Paxton defeated institutionalist Sen. John Cornyn last night in an “absolute landslide” — to use chief data analyst Steve Kornacki’s words from the board.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.