Ted Cruz Warns Talarico Has 1- to 2-Point Shot at Beating Paxton in Texas

3 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 9

Ted Cruz told Greg Abbott on Sean Hannity’s radio show that polling shows James Talarico and Ken Paxton in a 1- to 2-point race, giving the Democrat a “real chance” to flip the seat.
Recent public polls have Talarico running neck and neck with Paxton, well ahead of where Beto O’Rourke stood at the same stage before Cruz’s 2.6-point 2018 win.
Cruz argued Republicans still can hold Texas but said Talarico’s appeal to middle-of-the-road voters makes him dangerous, while Abbott insisted he will be “very beatable” once voters know his record.
The warning also exposed GOP unease over party unity: Dan Patrick wants John Cornyn to do more for Paxton, while Cornyn says he will back the ticket but not campaign for him.
The race is unfolding in a tougher climate for Republicans, with backlash to Donald Trump and his approval rating sitting just under 40% since late April.