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Elizabeth Conley / Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
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James Talarico had a problem, and he didn’t need me to tell him what it was. In March, the unassuming state lawmaker had beaten U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a Democratic Senate primary that their supporters had turned nasty, even as the candidates mostly stayed above the fray.
However, by October, the Texas Politics Project poll had him at 79% among Black voters. Overall, polling averages compiled by MS NOW partner FiftyPlusOne show him with a 3.5-point lead over Paxton with days to go. Yet still a sign of a contest close enough that Black voters could swing it.
The story of how Talarico took his problem and met it head-on is a story of old-school pounding the pavement, modern campaigning via influencers, and yes, money. But it’s also a story of the power of that rarest of political traits: humility. It could turn out to be the story of the 2026 midterms.
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Samuel Corum / Sipa / Bloomberg via Getty Images
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A luxury jet. A golden ring. Thousands of stock trades in office. The president and his family have declined to answer questions from Democrats — who will have subpoena power if the GOP loses control of the House in the midterm elections. Read more from Lily Becker and David Rohde.
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Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via Getty Images
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Tomorrow, join Rachel Maddow and team for an election preview special, as they break down what to expect on Election Day. Tune in on tomorrow at 7 p.m. Eastern on MS NOW.
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This week on “Clock It,” Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels are joined by pollster and data journalist G. Elliot Morris to break down the Democratic Party’s chances of winning big in the midterms and where Republicans stand a week out from election day. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Listen now and subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content.
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