Democratic state Rep. James Talarico of Austin holds a six-point lead over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas, according to a Marist poll released Tuesday.
The survey found 50 percent of respondents backing Talarico compared to 44 percent for Paxton. Two percent chose “other,” while four percent said they were undecided or declined to answer. Independent voters favored Talarico by a wider margin, 55 percent to 35 percent.
The poll surveyed 1,139 registered voters from September 17-20 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
Generational Divide
The poll revealed sharp differences in support based on age. Gen Z voters favored Talarico by a wide margin, 74 percent to 18 percent. Millennials also leaned toward the Democrat, 52 percent to 36 percent.
Support was nearly split among Gen X voters, with Talarico ahead by just one point, 49 percent to 48 percent. Older voters — Baby Boomers, the Silent Generation and the Greatest Generation — favored Paxton by 23 points.
Among white evangelical Christians, Paxton held a commanding lead, with 75 percent support compared to 22 percent for Talarico.
Religious Views in the Spotlight
Talarico, who has described himself as a Christian, has faced scrutiny over his religious beliefs and his relationship with his pastor, Rev. Jim Rigby of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Austin. In a resurfaced Easter sermon, Rigby questioned the resurrection of Jesus, suggesting alternative explanations for the empty tomb and telling the congregation that Christian symbols might be “calling you to a deeper understanding of the human condition” rather than representing literal events.
“Light is not stronger than darkness. Darkness is essential to understanding your life. Maybe Jesus rose from the dead, but maybe not,” Rigby said in the sermon.
Rigby has also said he considers himself to be on the “same team” as atheists.
Where the Race Stands
As of Wednesday, the RealClearPolling average showed Talarico ahead of Paxton by 2.8 percentage points, roughly in line with the Marist survey. The race is one of several closely watched Senate contests heading into the November election.
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