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Former GOP strategist Joseph Moreno said “this might be the year” that Democrats win in Texas after a three-decade drought since a Democrat has won in the Lone Star State.
In an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead,” host Jake Tapper asked Moreno about recent polling that showed Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D-Texas) leading Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) 47 percent to 45 percent.
“It surprises me, and it worries me a little bit, Jake. Normally, I would say, ‘I’m not worried about this,’ right? It’s been 30 years since a Democrat won statewide office in Texas,” Moreno said.
Paxton won a primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) earlier this year with the help of an endorsement from President Trump.
Talarico won the Democratic primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) in March and received heavy support from Democratic leadership including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“The problem is, here’s what happens — in 2024, the Republican was up by 2 percent, wins by 8 percent. In 2020, Cornyn was up 10 percent, wins by 10 percent,” Moreno continued. “Now, you’ve got Talarico even, or maybe even ahead of Paxton. Paxton is so flawed. I’m embarrassed as a Republican.”
Paxton faced scrutiny from Texas state officials following a state House investigation that found he had “used, misused, or failed to use his official powers in a manner calculated to subvert the lawful operation of the government.”
He also was impeached by the Texas House, faces 20 charges of misconduct in office, previously faced three felony securities fraud charges and had an extramarital affair.
A Texas Pulse/Texas A&M Bush School poll released Friday had 47 percent of likely Texas voters planning to support Talarico, while 43 percent chose Paxton.
“I hate to say it, this might be the year for Democrats in Texas,” Moreno concluded.
The general election between Paxton and Talarico happens on Nov. 3.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Angela Paxton Chuck Schumer Donald Trump Jake Tapper Jasmine Crockett John Cornyn Joseph Moreno Ken PaxtonCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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