Texas Senate race remains tied as candidates campaign statewide

Texas’ U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is essentially tied, according to a CBS News-YouGov poll, as both candidates campaign across the state ahead of the November 3 election. The survey, conducted October 8-16 among 1,492 registered voters, found that rising living costs were the top issue. Talarico led among voters who said higher prices had hurt them financially. The poll’s margin of error was 3.4 percentage points for registered voters and 3.5 points for likely voters, leaving the close contest uncertain. The survey also identified advantages for Paxton. Texas has more Republicans than Democrats, and many Paxton supporters said they backed him as the Republican nominee, to oppose Talarico or to support President Donald Trump. Republican voters’ support for the Trump administration’s deportation program also benefited Paxton, according to the poll. Talarico, meanwhile, drew support from some Republicans and from voters who placed greater weight on his personal character. Other snapshots have also shown a close contest, but their results vary. A Quantus Insights survey released October 13 put Paxton at 47.2% and Talarico at 46.7%. A...