Texas Senate Primary: Cornyn, Talarico Face Questions in Austin

With early voting underway, Cornyn, Talarico, and other candidates are campaigning ahead of primary election day on March 3.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and state Rep. James Talarico (D) held separate rallies in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 17, the first day of early voting in competitive Senate primaries. Cornyn dealt with scrutiny of ad spending in the race, while Talarico delivered remarks alongside other top Texas Democrats and steered clear of mentioning his own primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas).

Why it matters

The Texas Senate primary has become the second costliest on record, with millions in ad spending from various candidates and groups. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

The details

Cornyn, the senior senator from Texas, launched a week of campaigning with a morning rally at a Mexican restaurant. His Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, has led Cornyn in recent primary polling. Talarico, a state representative, held an event later in the day that was preceded by a performance by an Americana band and remarks from other top Texas Democrats.

  • Early voting is underway in Texas's Senate primaries.
  • Primary election day is set for March 3, 2026.

The players

Sen. John Cornyn

The senior Republican senator from Texas who is running for reelection.

James Talarico

A Democratic state representative who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is challenging Cornyn in the primary.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett

A Democratic U.S. Representative who is running against Talarico in the primary.

Greg Abbott

The Republican incumbent Governor of Texas.

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What they’re saying

“If Ken Paxton is at the top of the ticket, we risk losing the Senate seat, losing the majority in the House of Representatives, and it will take a toll on everybody on the ballot.”

— Sen. John Cornyn (The Epoch Times)

“That is what we're going to have in 2026.”

— Gina Hinojosa, State Representative and Gubernatorial Candidate (The Epoch Times)

“I believe Talarico can reach crossover voters.”

— Mary Black, Volunteer (The Epoch Times)

“I don't think that the state of Texas is ready for a woman of color to represent it in the Senate.”

— Jason (The Epoch Times)

“It's why I'm proposing that we ban Super PACs for everybody, for both parties.”

— James Talarico, State Representative and Senate Candidate (The Epoch Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.