Election Edition: Will Democrats (Finally) Turn Texas Blue?

Here's the Scoop · Oct 3, 2026 · 34m

For decades, Texas has been the deep-red heart of the Republican Party. For Democrats, it’s the white whale.

But this midterm cycle, political observers think they may have a chance. In the Senate contest, most polls show Democratic State Rep. James Talarico ahead of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton by a few points. And in the race for governor, Democratic State Rep. Gina Hinojosa is in surprisingly close competition with the incumbent, Republican Greg Abbott, despite being outspent by a mile.

For this episode of Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition, NBC News chief White House…