In tight Texas Senate race, Trump's immigration crackdown tests Republicans' hold on voters

What happened: Democrat James Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton in a Texas Senate race that could decide Senate control, with both campaigns courting independents and right-leaning Latino voters. Key numbers: Talarico has led narrowly in most polls since late June. Ad spending has surpassed $500 million, per AdImpact. Elon Musk put nearly $190 million into the race, per federal records. Why it matters: Trump's unpopularity has complicated Paxton's task, and border-region voters who backed Trump are described as open to Talarico, with some citing immigration enforcement as their reason.

Texas Senate race tests Republican voter hold amid Trump immigration crackdown.

Texas Senate race tests Republican voter hold amid Trump immigration crackdown. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.