Gov

General Election

ELECTION WAS NOV 3

U.S. SenateTexas

Open Senate seat after incumbent loses party runoff

Paxton defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican runoff, and Talarico won the Democratic primary. Brown is the Libertarian nominee; four certified write-ins also qualify, while September registered- and likely-voter polls showed Talarico leading Paxton by one to six points.

Issues

10 issues · 7 candidates · every claim sourced

Immigration and Border Policy

Central to the race

Federal immigration law sets rules for admission, removal, asylum and naturalization, while Congress controls the statutory framework and funding. The policy stakes include border enforcement, legal entry, detention, asylum processing and pathways to status.

5 of 7 on record

James Talarico

Supports comprehensive immigration reform that secures the border while expanding legal migration, focusing ICE resources on criminals, gang members, and traffickers, creating legalization pathways for some undocumented immigrants, modernizing ports of entry, and reducing the asylum backlog.

Talarico for Texas — Immigration & Border Security ↗

Ken Paxton

In coverage

Supports President Trump’s agenda of securing the border and deporting illegal aliens, completing the border wall, and—separately on the same page—helping deport criminal illegal aliens. The page does not establish that the criminal category limits the broader opening agenda.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Co-led a lawsuit demanding that the federal government continue construction of the border wall with already appropriated funds.

Texas attorney general and co-leading plaintiff · 2021-10-21 · Lawsuit filed; the cited release states the demand and filing but does not establish a final outcome.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Ted Brown

Supports abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ending checkpoints and detention facilities, and allowing entry after criminal-record and disease checks with work authorization from day one. He would limit Customs and Border Protection to the border and other points of entry, not inland operations.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Jade Simmons

Supports a border that is secure, predictable, and governed by law while opposing treatment of every person who crosses it as a criminal; the platform presents human dignity and border security as compatible goals without specifying a federal enforcement mechanism.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — People & Policy ↗

Avery Ayers

Supports securing the border, enforcing immigration law, and maintaining a functioning legal immigration system.

Avery Ayers for U.S. Senate — Key Issues & Policy ↗

No public position yet from Hall, Mohamed

Taxes, Costs, and Economic Opportunity

Central to the race

Congress has authority over federal taxation, spending and interstate and foreign commerce. The live choices include tax rates and credits, trade rules, wages, housing supply, business regulation and programs that affect household costs.

The data behind the debate

How does Texas household income compare nationally?

$79,721Texas
−1883.0 United States
7 of 7 on record

James Talarico

In coverage

Supports higher taxes on billionaires and corporations, expanded family tax credits, a $15 federal minimum wage, and lower housing, grocery, energy, health-care, and prescription costs through competition, assistance, and regulation; he also supports repealing tariffs.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Served as House sponsor of SB 2835, which authorizes municipalities to permit qualifying apartment buildings with a single stairway.

House sponsor · 2025 legislative session · Enacted; effective 2025-09-01.

Talarico for Texas — Taxes & Cost of Living ↗

Ken Paxton

In coverage

Supports cutting taxes and federal spending, removing regulations he says raise costs for energy companies, and using federal policy to expand American manufacturing and jobs while reducing household costs.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Launched a statewide investigation of nearly 1,000 Texas cities, requesting financial documents to enforce municipal budget-transparency and tax-increase rules.

Texas attorney general · 2025-12-09 · Investigation launched; document requests and review described as ongoing in the cited release.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Jade Simmons

Supports targeted, real-world solutions that reduce pressure on household budgets and leave room for stabilization and growth; the campaign identifies small businesses and working families as economic-opportunity priorities.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — People & Policy and FAQs ↗

Ted Brown

Supports repealing the federal income tax and abolishing the IRS, combining that change with major spending cuts; he also opposes tariffs as consumer taxes and supports restoring congressional control over trade.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Avery Ayers

Supports competition, American agriculture, and resilient supply chains while identifying unnecessary federal costs that reach consumers; also promotes homeownership, housing supply, and responsible first-time-buyer policies.

Avery Ayers for U.S. Senate — Affordability & Texas Kitchen Table ↗

Bradford "Brad" Hall

Supports requiring large new electricity loads to fund their incremental interconnection and infrastructure costs, making rate treatment public, and tying tax incentives to measurable jobs and revenue above their public cost with review dates and published recipients.

Bradford Hall for U.S. Senate — Public position ledger ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports an economy in which entrepreneurship and competition remain central but rules are enforced, workers can advance, consumers are protected, and corporations are accountable; he proposes reducing unnecessary barriers and expanding small-business access to capital.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — Building an Economy That Rewards Work, Innovation, and Accountability ↗

Health Care Access and Costs

Central to the race

Federal health programs and the annual appropriations process determine funding and administration for major health and human-services programs. Congress can change eligibility, benefits, prescription-drug rules, insurance standards and federal support for providers.

The data behind the debate

How many people lack health insurance?

16.7%Texas
+8.5 United States
7 of 7 on record

James Talarico

In coverage

Supports allowing every American to join Medicare, lowering prescription costs through negotiation and generic competition, protecting Affordable Care Act coverage, reforming prior authorization, supporting rural hospitals, and reducing medical debt.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Served as House sponsor of SB 241, requiring certain brand-name insulin manufacturers to submit verification to the Health and Human Services Commission when generic or biosimilar alternatives are unavailable.

House sponsor · 2023 legislative session · Enacted; effective 2024-09-01.

Talarico for Texas — Health Care ↗

Ken Paxton

Supports greater transparency and accountability in food and health-care systems, informed consumer choices, and healthier outcomes, with patient well-being placed ahead of corporate profits.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Jade Simmons

Supports making health care more affordable, accessible, and human for families while rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions; the campaign does not specify a federal coverage or payment mechanism on the retrieved page.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — People & Policy and FAQs ↗

Ted Brown

Supports free-market health care through medical savings accounts, tax deductions for health expenses, interstate insurance sales, limited catastrophic policies, private-sector drug certification in place of the FDA, and drug purchases from other countries.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Avery Ayers

Identifies premiums, deductibles, prescription drugs, unexpected medical expenses, and the long-term finances of Social Security and Medicare as household affordability concerns; no specific federal health-care mechanism is stated.

Avery Ayers for U.S. Senate — Affordability & Texas Kitchen Table ↗

Bradford "Brad" Hall

Supports a dedicated health-care audit team using artificial intelligence and a contract-to-payment identifier to measure Medicare and Medicaid fraud, showing patients prices before purchase, and modernizing how new treatments are assessed.

Bradford Hall for U.S. Senate — Public position ledger ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports universal health care so access to medical care does not depend on employment, income, or the ability to afford a high deductible; he also supports affordable coverage and patient choice of doctors.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — Why New America Will be Healthier than Previous Generations ↗

Reproductive Rights and Health Policy

Central to the race

Federal policy can affect funding, coverage and protections for contraception, abortion, infertility care and other reproductive health services, even though states retain major authority over abortion regulation. After Dobbs, Congress's choices about federal programs and statutory protections remain consequential.

The data behind the debate

2022 reported abortion rates: Texas and continuously reporting areas

2.8 per 1,000Texas
−8.4 47 areas
2 of 7 on record

James Talarico

In coverage

Supports restoring reproductive health care in Texas by codifying Roe v. Wade and protecting access to contraception and IVF; the page does not specify a bill text or every possible exception.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Authored HB 5310, a bill to repeal certain laws regulating abortion, and HJR 204, a proposed constitutional amendment barring the Legislature from restricting access to abortion and related health care; both were referred in the Texas House on April 7, 2025.

Texas House author · 2025-04-07 · Both measures were introduced and referred to committee; the retrieved author report does not show passage or enactment.

Talarico for Texas — Health Care ↗

Ken Paxton

In coverage

States support for defending the unborn. The campaign page does not specify a federal bill, gestational term, exception, enforcement mechanism, or position on contraception or IVF.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Filed a lawsuit challenging federal HIPAA privacy rules that limited state investigations related to reproductive health care.

Texas attorney general and plaintiff for the State of Texas · 2024-09-04 · Complaint filed on 2024-09-04; a 2025-12-09 Office of the Attorney General release said the challenged rule had been permanently vacated and that a joint motion with the Department of Justice concluded the case. A court order was not independently retrieved in this pass.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

No public position yet from Brown, Simmons, Ayers, Hall, Mohamed

Energy, Grid, and Climate Resilience

Central to the race

Federal agencies support grid resilience through research, standards, emergency preparedness and coordination, while most grid assets are privately owned. Congress can fund, regulate and oversee energy infrastructure, disaster mitigation, environmental safeguards and consumer protections.

The data behind the debate

2024 electricity prices: Texas and the U.S.

9.79¢/kWhTexas
−3.2 U.S. total
4 of 7 on record

James Talarico

Supports requiring AI data centers to cover needed energy-infrastructure updates, diversifying energy production, weatherizing the Texas grid, expanding renewable development, and strengthening air and water protections and disaster mitigation.

Talarico for Texas — Energy & Environment ↗

Ken Paxton

Supports removing regulations he says hurt energy companies, bringing down costs, and advancing American energy, manufacturing, and jobs; the campaign page does not specify a production mix or climate program.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Bradford "Brad" Hall

Supports requiring large new loads to fund their incremental grid and interconnection costs, reporting facility-level electricity and water use when public tax benefits apply, and publishing public costs and delivered benefits.

Bradford Hall for U.S. Senate — Public position ledger ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports a green initiative that expands diverse energy production, modernizes the electrical grid, encourages nuclear and renewable energy, protects clean water, restores contaminated land, and creates skilled jobs while pursuing energy independence.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — A Green Initiative for a Cleaner, Stronger, More Energy-Independent New America ↗

No public position yet from Brown, Simmons, Ayers

Foreign Policy and Military Engagement

Central to the race

The Senate authorizes and funds military policy, investigates executive action, votes on foreign-policy legislation and approves treaties by a two-thirds vote. The choices include alliances, foreign aid, arms transfers, diplomacy, military deployments and the use of force.

4 of 7 on record

James Talarico

Supports cooperation with NATO, the European Union, and other allies, diplomacy and development, continued support for Ukraine, and aid and leverage for peace in Israel and Palestine; he also proposes preventing U.S. funds from harming civilians.

Talarico for Texas — Foreign Policy ↗

Ken Paxton

Supports an America First foreign-policy orientation that promotes peace through strength, prioritizes U.S. interests, and emphasizes the safety of American citizens; the page does not specify an alliance, aid, military, or Israel proposal.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Ted Brown

Supports bringing troops home from foreign assignments, ending foreign military interventions, withdrawing from NATO and other entangling alliances, ending foreign aid payments, and voting against military appropriations for overseas deployments.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Criticizes U.S. Foreign Military Financing and missile-defense support for Israel, describes the campaign as part of an anti-Zionist movement, and calls for civilian protection, humanitarian relief, and policies that put human life and lasting peace first.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — campaign home and New American Agenda ↗

No public position yet from Simmons, Ayers, Hall

Government Accountability and Democratic Institutions

Central to the race

Congress uses legislation, appropriations, investigations and Senate confirmation to oversee executive agencies and constrain government power. The dispute is how much transparency, independent oversight, election protection and enforceable checks should apply to federal decisions and spending.

The data behind the debate

What was the last Texas U.S. Senate vote?

5,990,741 votesCruz (R)
+959492.0 Allred (D)+5723702.0 Brown (L)
5 of 7 on record

James Talarico

In coverage

Supports banning super PACs and corporate PACs, independent redistricting commissions, easier voting access, a ban on congressional stock trading, term limits, annual town halls, and stronger ethics and Supreme Court oversight.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Authored HB 21, a bill relating to a Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission.

House author · 2023-02-23 · Referred to the House Redistricting Committee; not shown as enacted in the retrieved author report.

Talarico for Texas — Corruption & Democracy ↗

Ken Paxton

In coverage

Supports ending what the campaign calls the weaponization of government and reducing wasteful federal spending.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Released an attorney general opinion outlining the process for legislators and the public to inspect or obtain copies of anonymous voted ballots.

Texas attorney general · 2022-08-22 · Opinion released; it outlines the legal process for preservation and public access to anonymous voted ballots.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Bradford "Brad" Hall

Supports evenhanded documentation and correction standards, public reporting of unresolved findings, stated cause and congressional reporting before an inspector general is fired, congressional control of spending, emergency exit conditions, and paper trails and public audits for elections.

Bradford Hall for U.S. Senate — Public position ledger ↗

Ted Brown

Supports congressional approval before executive orders or emergency declarations take effect, automatic sunset clauses and periodic renewal of emergency powers, protections against indefinite detention, and time-limited emergency funding with legislative oversight.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Jade Simmons

Emphasizes public trust and accountability and proposes constituent-informed, collaborative leadership independent of party control; the campaign does not specify a federal ethics or election mechanism on the retrieved pages.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — Meet Jade Simmons ↗

No public position yet from Ayers, Mohamed

Public Education and Workforce Development

Also in play

States and local systems carry primary responsibility for elementary and secondary education, while federal programs supplement funding and support equal access, special education, workforce preparation and postsecondary aid. Congress controls federal education authorizations, appropriations and the Department of Education's statutory structure.

The data behind the debate

How did Texas eighth graders perform in math?

269 pointsTexas
−3.0 Nation
6 of 7 on record

James Talarico

In coverage

Supports stronger public schools through literacy and math grants, teacher recruitment and training, universal early childhood education, career and technical education, school meals, special-education oversight, and classroom AI guidelines; he opposes private-school vouchers.

✓ Track record — what they've actually done

Authored HB 2607, addressing Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development board duties related to child care and subsidized child care.

House author · 2021-06-18 · Enacted; effective 2021-09-01.

Talarico for Texas — Public Education ↗

Ken Paxton

Supports parental rights in education and says he would oppose what the campaign calls ‘woke indoctrination in our classrooms’; the page does not specify a federal legislative mechanism.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Jade Simmons

Supports empowering teachers and students with modern tools and funding and identifies education as a campaign priority shaped by Texans’ input; no more specific federal mechanism is stated on the retrieved page.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — FAQs ↗

Ted Brown

Supports abolishing the federal Department of Education, using tuition tax credits for private-school families, and expanding charter schools and homeschooling as part of separating school and state.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Avery Ayers

Supports skilled trades, certifications, apprenticeships, and technical education as alternatives to a four-year college pathway, with workforce development tied to employment and technology.

Avery Ayers for U.S. Senate — Texas Issues ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports federal investment in teachers, school facilities, career and technical education, apprenticeships, AI literacy, and student support while preserving local decision-making and measuring education spending and results.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — The New American Approach to Public Education ↗

No public position yet from Hall

Artificial Intelligence, Privacy, and Technology

Also in play

Federal AI governance includes statutes, executive orders, agency requirements and advisory groups, while the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI risk framework is voluntary. Congress can set binding rules for federal procurement, privacy, labor, infrastructure and technology markets.

6 of 7 on record

James Talarico

Supports safeguards for children online, algorithm impact assessments, limits on targeted content to minors, worker protections and retraining around AI, human review of automated decisions, chip-export controls, digital literacy, and consumer-protection rules for cryptocurrency.

Talarico for Texas — Social Media, AI & Tech ↗

Ken Paxton

Supports a pro-growth federal regulatory framework for digital assets and says passage of the CLARITY Act would give cryptocurrency innovators greater certainty to build and scale; this position concerns digital assets, not artificial-intelligence policy.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Bradford "Brad" Hall

Supports independent audits of AI systems used in public programs, American AI for government work, facility-level electricity and water reporting for subsidized data centers, and requiring large loads to fund their own connections before incentives apply.

Bradford Hall for U.S. Senate — Public position ledger ↗

Ted Brown

Opposes government-mandated age verification, digital identification, social-credit systems, internet censorship, and broad surveillance, and supports Fourth Amendment protection for data held by third parties.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Avery Ayers

Supports AI education, worker retraining, and apprenticeships to help people adapt to technological change and treats technology and workforce planning as part of economic opportunity.

Avery Ayers for U.S. Senate — Texas Issues ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports strong national data-privacy standards requiring greater transparency about what information companies collect, how it is used, how long it is retained, and when it is sold or transferred.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — Building an Economy That Rewards Work, Innovation, and Accountability ↗

No public position yet from Simmons

Public Safety and Civil Liberties

Also in play

Congress can define federal crimes, fund federal law enforcement and use investigations and appropriations to oversee public-safety agencies, while most policing remains state and local. The policy choices include gun rules, drug and sentencing policy, surveillance limits, due process and the balance between investigative tools and privacy.

4 of 7 on record

Ken Paxton

Supports protecting gun rights under the Second Amendment; the campaign page does not specify a particular federal gun-control bill or enforcement mechanism.

Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate — Issues ↗

Ted Brown

Supports ending the War on Drugs, mandatory minimums, police militarization, no-knock warrants, and qualified immunity, while moving police-misconduct investigations to state attorney general offices and keeping police out of non-criminal situations.

Ted Brown for U.S. Senate — Platform ↗

Jade Simmons

Prioritizes safer communities through prevention rather than division; the campaign’s retrieved FAQ does not specify a federal public-safety or criminal-justice mechanism.

Jade Simmons for U.S. Senate — FAQs ↗
ZM

Zul Mohamed

Supports Texas cities and law-enforcement agencies terminating agreements for Flock Safety automated license-plate readers and replacing them with more targeted investigative tools subject to stronger public oversight.

Zul Mohamed for Senate — Texas Cities Should End Their Agreements with Flock Safety ↗

No public position yet from Talarico, Ayers, Hall