Texas Polls Show Unusual Pattern as Democrats Gain: Talarico vs Paxton, 2026 US Midterms

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten discusses what he calls an unusual pattern in recent Texas election polling, with signs of Democratic strength extending beyond the Senate race into lower-ballot contests. According to his October 12 analysis, the statewide generic ballot for the US House shows Democrats polling slightly ahead, at about 2 points, compared with an 18-point Republican advantage in the 2024 statewide House vote. The video also follows Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, back on the campaign trail after recovering from the flu, and his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. These are polling indicators, not election results.

• Harry Enten on signs of Democratic strength in Texas polling
• Generic House ballot: Democrats about 2 points ahead in the cited poll
• Comparison with the 18-point Republican lead in the 2024 statewide House vote

TEXAS ELECTION POLLS: DEMOCRATS’ UNUSUAL STRENGTH | TALARICO VS PAXTON | US MIDTERMS LIVE Could Texas be seeing a shift in its political landscape? CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten breaks down what he calls an “unusual pattern” in the latest Texas election polling, with signs of Democratic strength extending beyond the high-profile Senate race into contests lower down the ballot. According to Enten’s analysis on CNN on October 12, the statewide generic congressional ballot for the US House showed Democrats polling slightly ahead at approximately 2 points, compared with an 18-point Republican advantage in the 2024 statewide House vote. He also highlighted a sharp change in polling among Hispanic voters. These are polling indicators, not election results, and the outcome will depend on turnout, campaign dynamics and the final vote. The coverage also follows Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico as he returns to the campaign trail after recovering from the flu. His Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is also in focus as both campaigns compete over their messages to voters ahead of the November 2026 midterms. #TexasElections #JamesTalarico #KenPaxton #USMidterms #USPolitics #cnnnews18 n18oc_live n18oc_world CNN-News18 is your trusted source for breaking news, updates, and in-depth analysis from around the world. CNN-News18 is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights, helping you stay informed and up-to-date. Subscribe Now and join our community of informed and engaged viewers. Follow Every Breaking Story LIVE 🔴 Watch News18 LIVE 24x7: https://youtube.com/live/rfDx1HMvXbQ Follow us on Google: news18.co/cn18g Follow CNN News18 on X: https://x.com/CNNnews18 Follow CNN News18 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnnews18/ Follow CNN News18 on Facebook: facebook.com/cnnnews18 #GetCloserToTheNews with latest headlines on politics, sports and entertainment on news18.com News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube