2026 US midterms: Texas is the big prize, but can Democrats end up claiming it? | This is America Republicans face an unexpectedly tough battle in Texas as Democrats seek big gains in the 2026 US midterm elections. The biggest contest is the Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. Tallarico hopes to become the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988. With immigration, rising costs of living and Donald Trump's policies shaping the campaign, can Democrats break the Republican dominance of Texas for decades?