Democrats Are Bullish on Texas After Trump’s Move for Paxton

Democrats are now debating how much to throw at the Texas Senate race, or if it’s all just a distraction.

Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks at an event.

State Rep. James Talarico, a rising star in his party, has already raised record-breaking money. Eric Gay/AP

Democratic leaders say they’re one step closer to winning in Texas, now that President Donald Trump has endorsed scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for Senate.

The question now is whether they’re close enough that it’s worth investing in a state where Democrats have consistently been disappointed in recent years.

If Paxton beats Sen. John Cornyn in next week’s Republican primary runoff, Democrats say they see a viable path to win a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide in more than three decades. State Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee and a rising star inside the party, has already raised a record-breaking $27 million for his race.