Deep in Trump country, a new generation reveals the divide behind Texas' tight Senate race

What happened: Three Texas Tech roommates with differing political views described the issues shaping their votes as Trump rallied in Lubbock for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico courted voters. Key numbers: A Fox News poll in October found Paxton and Talarico tied at 49% among likely voters. Trump won Texas by nearly 14 points in 2024. Why it matters: The tied race underscores an unusually competitive contest in a state Republicans have dominated statewide since the 1990s, with first-time voters citing abortion, immigration, energy policy and costs. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Three Texas Tech roommates with differing political views described the issues shaping their votes as Trump rallied in Lubbock for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico courted voters.

The tied race underscores an unusually competitive contest in a state Republicans have dominated statewide since the 1990s, with first-time voters citing abortion, immigration, energy policy and costs.