Texas: Democrat Talarico two points ahead of Republican Paxton in CBS poll
The Senate race in Republican-leaning Texas is "as tight as can be", according to a new CBS News poll showing a 51-49 split.
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Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are running almost neck and neck in the race for a Senate seat in Texas. A new CBS News poll shows a 51-49 split – "as tight as can be", CBS elections and surveys director Anthony Salvanto said on Sunday. Moderator Margaret Brennan described Talarico as having "just a two-point lead".
The key question, Salvanto said, is whether "the Republican base" can consolidate behind its candidates. Talarico is doing better with independents and with voters hurting financially because of prices, and draws nine percent among people who usually vote Republican. Some 59 percent of likely voters say Paxton lacks the right personal character to serve as senator, compared with 45 percent for Talarico.
Observers remain cautious: CBS reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns said that for Democrats to win in Texas, "everything has to go wrong for Republicans and exactly right for Democrats". The congressional midterms take place in early November.