Texas U.S. Senate 2026: who the three candidates are (sourced backgrounds)
One background fact for each of the three candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot, alphabetically by surname, each linked to its source. For each candidate’s own statements on the issues, see the full race page.
- “When Brown last ran for the Senate in 2024 against incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and then-Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, Brown pulled more than 267,000 votes statewide.” — Houston Public Media — “Libertarian Ted Brown courts disaffected conservative voters in Texas’ U.S. Senate race – Houston Public Media” · published Jun 2, 2026
- “Paxton, a Republican who has served as Texas attorney general since 2015, is seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by John Cornyn.” — Houston Chronicle — “Paxton-Talarico debate is coming—but will both candidates show?” · published Jul 29, 2026
- “I first ran for the Texas House in 2018 to fight for my constituents — people like my mom and my students. It was a district no one thought we could win, but together we flipped a district Donald Trump had won just two years earlier.” — Talarico for Texas (campaign website) — “Meet James Talarico - Talarico for Texas” · page retrieved Sep 19, 2026