Texas Senate Race 2026

Senate Democrats Split Over Graham Platner

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The victory of Graham Platner in the Maine Democratic primary for the US Senate was overwhelming, but has split many Senate Democrats, who retain doubts about the controversial history of their party’s nominee.

Among those registering doubts and misgivings are:

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
New Mexico Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth
Vermont Senator Peter Welch

At the same time, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and other progressive oriented Democrats emphasize the need to support Platner despite his shortcomings.

The vast majority of Democratic Senators are seeing Platner as their best hope to reach a Senate majority in the Midterm Elections of 2026.

And they point out that despite his checkered record on many fronts, the opposition Republicans have so many more checkered backgrounds, including, most notably:

Donald Trump
Pete Hegseth
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Ken Paxton

The clear conclusion is that there are few “saints” in politics, and that the American people have overlooked or had to accept shortcomings in candidates over many years.

The days of candidates, such as Gary Hart, Bob Packwood and Eric Swalwell losing their careers due to their misbehaviors, seem even more distant than the 1980s and early 1990s, when ethics and morals seemed to matter more.

This author and blogger is very uncomfortable with Platner, but every effort to gain a Democratic majority in the Senate is essential, in order to fight to resist and reverse a lot of the damage of the Trump Presidency, and gain the recovery of American democracy and the rule of law.

This author and blogger is glad he does not live in Maine, as voting directly for Platner, who comes across as unseemly in so many ways, would be a very difficult effort.

But his record is just about the same as Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who is not beneath vicious, unwarranted attacks on his opponent, Democrat James Talarico, so the mud slinging on both sides in this midterm election cycle is already in full swing.

Texas Democratic Senate Nominee James Talarico Threatened By Pete Hegseth Pastor Who Wishes His Death!

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In an extremely shocking development, the pastor who is the closest spiritual adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has called for the death of Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico by crucifixion, over the issue of his belief in the original teachings and beliefs of Jesus Christ, humanitarian Christianity, rather than the hardline right wing extremist view of White Christian Nationalists.

This should lead to the condemnation of this pastor for advocating violence, as this is not just a threat to Talarico, but to anyone who would challenge the hatred of Christian Nationalists.

Also, Pete Hegseth should, but will not, condemn this pastor as beyond the pale in his rhetoric.

How is this any different than those who condemn Islamic extremists who call for the death of those who refuse to accept the Muslim faith?

How is this any different than those extremist right wing Jews in Israel who advocate death and destruction of all Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza?

How is this different than those extremists in the Buddhist and Hindu faiths who advocate hatred, violence, and destruction against those who challenge extremist, nationalist rhetoric and actions?

James Talarico is an inspiring, dynamic young man who offers hope for advancement and love of true Christian values, but now he is in danger of some extremist deciding it is his mission to eliminate this Senate candidate, who offers a brighter future in American politics, if he is able to be successful in his quest for a Senate seat in Texas.

Clearly, Talarico will need sufficient security protection both now, and even more so, if he succeeds in his goal of serving his state in the US Senate.

This is a terrible tragedy, and very worrisome situation, and all decent people have to pray and hope for his safety!

James Talarico And Andy Beshear: Two Devout “Legitimate” Christians Who Inspire For The Future Of Relationship Between Government And Religion!

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Texas State Senator James Talarico is competing for the Democratic Senatorial nomination against Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and he has become a national sensation, due to his charisma, personal presence, and his liberal Christian views, espousing the teachings of Jesus.

CBS preventing him from being interviewed by Stephen Colbert on his show, leading to the interview being posted on YouTube, and gaining 6 million views at this writing, has made his attempt to gain a Senate run against three Republican contenders, including Senator John Cornyn, suddenly gain massive support.

His decency, compassion, and empathy, all true Christian values, make him someone to watch and root for, not only for flipping a Senate seat to Democrats, but also as a potential national figure in the short and long term, if he can be successful.

And it must be recalled that in July 2025, the podcaster Joe Rogan, who has often been supportive of Donald Trump although at times a critic, had the then mostly unknown James Talarico on his podcast, and made the astonishing statement that Talarico should run for President, a stunning statement!

The same decent, compassionate, and empathetic Christianity of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who has managed to hold the Governorship in a heavily Republican state for two terms, makes Beshear a person on the short list of potential Democratic Presidential nominees for 2028.

At a time of hypocrisy of the white Christian nationalist right wing that has backed MAGA Republicans and Donald Trump, it is inspiring that we can have those who are “religious” in a true sense, which includes an open mind toward others who are of different religions, and those with no religious beliefs, and offer themselves as alternatives for America’s future.

This includes support for immigrants; women; racial minorities; and people of different genders and sexual orientation–a tolerance equivalent of the teachings of Jesus.

This author and blogger is very enthused and optimistic about the role of Talarico for the Senate future, and for Beshear for the Presidential future, as models of what America should strive for, whether or not, either individual succeeds in his future political ambitions.

New Hope For Democratic Senate Gains In “Red” States Texas And Florida

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The Democratic Party has 47 seats in the US Senate, and with a growing chance to regain the majority.

The hope is that they can gain at least four seats and become the majority.

The two strongly “Red” states of Texas and Florida now are seen as adding to the potential of Democratic majorities in the Senate, and maybe more than just four seats.

Texas polls indicate James Talarico is leading Jasmine Crockett, and the thought that he might be able to win the Democratic nomination, with his “liberal” Christianity view, and a more measured personality than Crockett. This gives hope that he might defeat Senator John Cornyn, or his leading rival in the Republican primary, State Attorney General Ken Paxton.

And now, great news that the state of Florida will have a real race for the US Senate, instead of appointed Senator Ashley Moody having the likelihood of no major challenger.

Former Army Lieutentant Colonel Alex Vindman, who served on the National Security Council under President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Senate nomination, giving real hope for a possible gain of a Senate seat in the Sunshine State.

Vindman resigned after revealing that Trump tried to bribe Ukrainian Persident Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give “dirt” on Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, leading to the impeachment of Trump by the House of Representatives, although not convicted by the Senate.

Four Potential Senate Gains For Democrats In 2026

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Beyond Alaska and Maine, and long odds Iowa, there are four other Republican Senate seats that are in play in the Midterm Elections of 2026.

Nebraska has Republican Pete Ricketts, former two term Governor, and part owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, running for a full term, after succeeding the retired Senator Ben Sasse in 2023. Ricketts has a conservative record, and will NOT have a Democratic opponent, but interestingly, he will have an Independent opponent, Dan Osborn, who polled well against Senator Deb Fischer in 2024, losing by only 6 points, amazing result, with no formal backing by Democrats.

A former labor union leader and US Navy veteran, he is running again with a populist platform, appealing to the middle and working class, and he is seen as intriguing, with a possible chance to win.

North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis is not seeking reelection, and former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is the favorite to win the seat over Republican Michael Whatley, former North Carolina Republican Chairman, and also Republican National Chairman in 2024-2025.

Cooper was an exceptional governor in a state where the opposition Republicans often controlled the legislature, but he gained a reputation for principled leadership, and had a background as four term State Attorney General before his two terms as Governor. There is real optimism that Cooper can swing this state to the Democratic camp, with Cooper ahead in public opinion polls.

Ohio also is a state that Democrats are optimistic will swing their way in the Senate race, with former Senator Sherrod Brown, who served three terms, but lost his seat in 2024, trying for a comeback against appointed Senator Jon Husted, former Lieutenant Governor, who replaced Vice President JD Vance, when he was elected Vice President to Donald Trump in the Presidential Election of 2024.

Brown was considered one of the most liberal members of the Senate, and earlier had served in the House of Representatives and in the state legislature. Husted has been strongly conservative, and served as Secretary of State of Ohio before becoming Lieutenant Governor. It will be a tough race, but Democrats are hopeful that Brown can return to the Senate in the upcoming election. Polls indicate a very close race between Brown and Husted.

Finally, the crucial state of Texas, strongly Republican in recent decades, but having a three way primary in the Republican Party, of incumbent Senator John Cornyn, State Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Congressman Wesley Hunt.

Cornyn has been in the Senate for four terms, but is facing a serious challenge from the controversial and crooked Paxton, and African American Congressman Hunt. Cornyn has more support from the party and funding, but Paxton in particular could possibly upend the race, although his corruption is a significant issue, as he was impeached, although not convicted by the Texas legislature. Polls show an extremely close race for the nomination, with African American Congressman Hunt seen as a wild card.

The Democrats have an even more exciting race of outspoken African American Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and State Representative James Talarico. Either candidate would be an exciting addition to the Senate, with Crockett more controversial and outspoken, while Talarico brings a soothing brand of noncontroversial Christianity and idealism to the race. Talarico would be the youngest US Senator if he won the seat. There is something very inspiring to this author and blogger about Talarico, particularly.

There will be plenty of “fireworks” in Texas, with the state primaries coming in March. And were Crockett or Talarico to win the seat in November, almost certainly, the Senate would become a Democratic majority for the 120th Congress (2027-2029).