Austin is gearing up for the 2026 General Election, with voters preparing to make decisions on federal, state, and local races. Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 3, and extensive guides along with results and analyses will be available for the electorate.
James Talarico Rallies Support at UT Austin
U.S. Senate contender James Talarico held a rally at the University of Texas at Austin on Friday, just five days into early voting for the midterm elections. Talarico, who is vying for the Senate seat against Republican Ken Paxton, captivated a large audience at Hogg Auditorium, using a well-known Texas football narrative to energize supporters.
During his speech, Talarico, a Democratic representative for the Austin and Pflugerville district, referenced the excitement surrounding high school football games in Texas. “This time of year, there is no better place to be than at a high school football game,” he expressed, highlighting the camaraderie and community spirit that such events evoke. “No matter who you are or what you look like, everyone in town is there for the same reason … to root for the same team.”
He emphasized the critical moment in every game where players must give their all, drawing a parallel to the urgency of the upcoming election. “UT, we are in that moment,” he declared, rallying his audience to take action.
Despite a three-decade drought for Democrats in statewide elections in Texas, recent polling suggests Talarico is in a competitive race with Paxton. A recent poll from the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project indicated Talarico leading by three points, with an 11-point advantage among Latino voters, according to a new University of Houston poll. However, the same survey revealed that rural voters largely favor Paxton.
In the meantime, Paxton has been actively campaigning, hosting events in Houston and traveling to South Texas, with plans to return to Central Texas for rallies in New Braunfels and Georgetown.
At the UT Austin rally, Talarico reaffirmed his focus on key issues such as affordability, public school improvement, and lowering healthcare costs. He was joined by other local Democratic leaders, including Pooja Sethi, a candidate for Texas House District 47, and Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri, who is seeking reelection amid a competitive field.
Among the attendees was Madison Walker, a junior studying chemistry, who came to show her support despite having already voted. “There are just so many different people here from so many different backgrounds, and I want to make sure that I am present to show that someone from my background and someone like me also believes in his message,” said Walker, who hails from Mississippi.
In addition to the Senate race, Austinites will also cast votes for statewide offices, including governor and lieutenant governor, along with five city council races and a $295 million bond measure, plus eight city charter amendments.
Voter turnout has surged this week, with several counties, including Travis, Harris, and Bexar, reporting unprecedented numbers. As of Friday, approximately 3 million Texans have voted, either in person or by mail. In Travis County, over 198,000 ballots have been cast, representing about 21% of the county’s 952,000 registered voters.
There’s still an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard, as early voting continues through October 30, leading up to the pivotal Election Day on November 3.
