Democrats push to win Texas, a diversifying Republican stronghold

Houston saw early voting lines form at a polling station as Democrats looked forward to potentially making history in Texas's traditional Republican stronghold. This battleground state is hosting some of the most closely watched elections in November's midterm contests. Democrats are banking on winning key races by appealing to voters concerned about the economy and distancing themselves from US President Donald Trump.

In the gubernatorial race, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is trailing incumbent Republican Greg Abbott by a slim margin. Hinojosa, a 52-year-old attorney, says the race is "the closest we've ever been," warning that if they don't win this time, they won't get another chance. The U.S. Senate race also shows a narrow lead for Democrat James Talarico, a 37-year-old former teacher, over Trump ally and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Talarico's campaign is resonating with voters who are fed up with Trump's unpopular war in the Middle East and rising costs for everyday necessities. Democrats are also hoping to regain Latino support, which Trump once won but now faces criticism over immigration raids. Texas Republicans are banking on their base to turn out and support President Trump, who has urged them to.

Both Abbott and Paxton have shunned debates before the polls. Paxton faces scrutiny over a history of controversies, including fraud charges, allegations of marital infidelity, and ties to wealthy donors. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 but acquitted by the state Senate. Paxton also backed Trump's false allegations of election fraud in 2020.

As early voters headed to the polls, a federal prosecutor in Texas, Aaron Reitz, warned that only eligible voters may cast ballots, with severe consequences for those violating federal election laws.