Early voting began on Monday in Texas, where some of the closest races in the November midterm elections are taking place. Democrats are hopeful for a historic win in this traditionally Republican state. Lines formed at polling stations in Houston as voters chose between Democrats focused on economic issues and Republicans aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Race for Governor
In the race for governor, polls show that Gina Hinojosa, a 52-year-old Democratic attorney, holds a slight edge over Greg Abbott, a 68-year-old Republican governor seeking his fourth term. Hinojosa said on Sunday, "We have never been this close. If we don't win this time, they will never let us get this close again."
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Race for the U.S. Senate
In the U.S. Senate race, 37-year-old former teacher James Talarico has managed to attract voters and holds a slight lead over Ken Paxton, the 63-year-old Texas Attorney General and Trump ally. Hinojosa and Talarico represent a new generation of Democrats looking to appeal to independent voters and those disillusioned by the war in the Middle East and rising prices. Democrats are also hoping to win back Latino voters who supported Trump in 2024.
Republicans are relying on Trump supporters to turn out to vote. One voter, 64-year-old Day Marie Covas, said, "I want Donald Trump to finish what he started. I want him to complete what he said he would do."
Both Abbott and Paxton have avoided debates. Paxton is trying to move past years of controversies, including false allegations of securities fraud that were resolved without admitting wrongdoing and allegations of infidelity regarding his marriage and questions about his communications with wealthy donors. In 2023, the Texas House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, accused him of corruption and abuse of power, but he was acquitted in the Senate. Paxton also supported Trump in 2020 when he challenged his defeat to Joe Biden without providing evidence.
As early voters head to the polls, federal attorney Aaron Wright warned in a video: "Only eligible voters can vote. No felons, no aliens, and no foreigners." He added, "If you violate federal election laws, I will prosecute you."
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