Talarico Leads in Texas Senate Race, GOP Struggles

0:00It's April 29th. You're listening to El Paso News today, AI-powered local news. A fresh poll from Texas Public Opinion Research dropped on April 28th, shaking up the U.S. center race in the Lone Star State. It surveyed 2018 likely voters from April 17th to 20th, and state rep James Tallerico, the Democrat from Austin, leads. Both top Republicans, he's up 44% to 41% against incumbent Senator John Kornin, and 46-41 over Attorney General Ken Paxton. Tallerico's pulling strong from black and Latino voters, plus college grads, crushing it with moderates by over 40 points and independence by more than 20. Meanwhile, Kornin and Paxton lean on white, non-college rural folks for their base. His spells trouble for the GOP, with both guys posting lousy favorability. Kornin and minus 15, Paxton minus 10. They even trail a generic Republican candidate, who's at plus 9, while Tallerico sits positive

1:02at plus 7. A four-ability top's voter worries at 21%, way ahead of immigration, health care, and the economy. The poll highlights how everyday costs are hitting hard across Texas. The Republican primary runoff hits May 26 between Kornin and Paxton, setting up a November 3rd showdown with Tallerico that could flip the seat blue if these numbers hold.