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State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) leads his potential Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, per a new poll from the University of Texas. 

Why it matters: A close race in Texas would expand the battleground for Democrats in their bid to retake the Senate and put a legislative check on President Trump.

State of play: Talarico will face either U.S. Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are vying for the GOP nomination in a May 26 runoff.

By the numbers: In hypothetical matchups, Talarico led Cornyn 40% to 33% among 1,200 registered voters in the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll, and he held a 42% to 34% lead over Paxton. The margin of error was +/- 3.35% for the weighted sample.

Between the lines: Nearly 1 in 5 Texas voters (19%) said they had no opinion about the race yet.

Context: The poll comes a day after another nonpartisan poll found Talarico leading his Republican rivals by closer margins.

What they're saying: Republicans remain divided on who they want to represent them in the race — but they still have plenty of time to get behind a single candidate by November, Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, tells Axios.

"We are asking voters in April about their potential voting preferences in this hypothetical matchup while an incredibly heated and long-running primary is going on," he says.

In other statewide races in the poll, Republicans lead. For example, Gov. Greg Abbott polled ahead of state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) 44% to 38% in the governor's race.

Methodology: The sample was weighted to closely match the state's demographics and past voting behavior. 

Reality check: No Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994.

But Talarico has been raising record amounts of money, and President Trump's low approval ratings have been a drag on Republican candidates around the country.

The new Texas poll showed opposition to the war in Iran and deepening concerns about inflation and the economy.

The intrigue: At an event at the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation this month, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick forecast problems for Republicans if the party couldn't unite behind its Senate nominee.

"John Cornyn, if you lose, you need to endorse Ken Paxton and get your voters to support Ken Paxton," he said.

"And Ken Paxton, if you lose, you need to endorse John Cornyn and get your voters to support John Cornyn. Because if 10-15% of either of their sides don't turn out and vote, James Talarico is going to win."

The bottom line: "It's likely to be a pretty favorable electoral environment for Democrats should things stay on the trajectory they're on now," Henson says.

University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll

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Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll

The survey was conducted as the two Republican candidates continue to battle for the GOP nomination.

Three-panel image of men in suits speaking into microphones: left is a young man, center a man with a blue tie, right an older man with white hair.

Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico (left), state Attorney General Ken Paxton (middle) and Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (right). Photos: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle, Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg, Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc., all via Getty Images

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) leads his potential Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, per a new poll from the University of Texas. Why it matters: A close race in Texas would expand the battleground for Democrats in their bid to retake the Senate and put a legislative check on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a>.

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

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With their latest gift of $750 million, Michael and Susan Dell have now given more than $1 billion to the University of Texas, school officials announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: The donation situates the university — and Austin — to become a leading health research center, drawing new jobs and investment to the region.

As an employer and donor to local causes, Michael Dell, the founder of computing company Dell, has arguably had a greater economic impact on Austin than anyone in the city's history. 

The big picture: UT wants to raise $10 billion in 10 years to boost its medical center into the top 10 nationally.

The new Dell money will establish a research, computing and medical campus — the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research — in north Austin, by Braker Lane and just west of MoPac, that will also host the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Aerial view of a sunlit city with a white, modern campus in the foreground, a tall tower, winding roads by a river, and a distant skyline on the horizon.

A conceptual rendering of the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, which includes the UT Dell Medical Center. Image: Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill via UT

Flashback: Dell Medical School was established in 2013.

What they're saying: "When you bring together a great research university, a world-class town and a city that knows how to turn ideas into reality, you create the conditions for breakthroughs that change lives," Michael Dell told university faculty and administrators and elected officials at an event Tuesday.

"What's being built here means world-class research and care that will reach more people, and it will reach them sooner," Susan Dell said, invoking medical care provided by her father, a cancer surgeon.

As the founder of Dell, Michael Dell "redefined how the world buys computers and how it thinks about technology." Gov. Greg Abbott said at the event. 

"Now Dell Medical is doing the same thing with regard to health care. They're doing something that's not just incrementally better, but categorically different."

Context: Michael Dell is worth about $172 billion, per Forbes — or about $20 billion more than he was worth in early December. 

The latest donation from the Dells will also underwrite undergraduate student scholarships, student housing and UT's Texas Advanced Computing Center.

The residence hall currently known as Dobie Center will be renamed Dell House, per UT officials.

Modern lecture hall with glass walls and tiered seating; a large screen wall shows a holographic brain and charts as students use touchscreen desks, daylight streaming in.

A conceptual rendering of a classroom setting in the UT Dell Medical Center. Image: Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill via UT

Between the lines: Even as UT is consistently a top-ranked research university, state politics and policies threaten its perch, some faculty have argued. 

Some potential students have ruled out Texas for medical training and faculty have said they would consider leaving over issues ranging from abortion restrictions to questions of academic freedom and tenure security. 

Zoom out: The Dells have been on a high-profile giving kick.

Late last year, the couple pledged one of the largest individual charitable donations in history: a $6.25 billion gift that put $250 in accounts for 25 million U.S. children under 10 years old.

The bottom line: The Dell computer company was born just over 40 years ago in a UT undergraduate dorm room, and the ensuing philanthropic relationship between Michael Dell and his alma mater is the kind university fundraisers dream about — and one that could further transform Austin.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect Dell was founded over 40 (not 30) years ago.

Dells announce $750 million donation to the University of Texas

The money will support medical research, computing and student scholarships.

A man in a black suit and tie stands beside a smiling woman in a burgundy gown on a purple backdrop patterned with "BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE" text.

Michael Dell and Susan Dell in April. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

With their latest gift of $750 million, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael and Susan Dell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/doe-dell-genesis-mission" data-vars-content-id="7554664d-7d26-4adb-a91a-1660b77f576c" data-vars-headline="Dells announce $750 million donation to the University of Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/doe-dell-genesis-mission" target="_self">Michael and Susan Dell</a> have now given more than $1 billion to the University of Texas, school officials announced Tuesday.Why it matters: The donation situates the university — and Austin — to become a leading health research center, drawing new jobs and investment to the region.

Austin officials have until Thursday to confirm they will not restrict cooperation between city police and ICE — or they risk losing $2.5 million in grants, per a threat from Gov. Greg Abbott's office.

Why it matters: Mayor Kirk Watson has called Abbott's threat "political theater," but it revives questions about how much power locally elected officials have to steer city policy. 

Abbott's threats extend to Dallas and Houston.

Driving the news: Council members are scheduled to talk with city lawyers on Thursday about issues related to SB 4, a 2017 state law that requires local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities like ICE.

An April 16 letter from the governor's Public Safety Office (PSO) asked Watson "to confirm that the city will not enforce, and will act to repeal" a March update to its guidelines regarding cooperation with ICE.

"Failure to do so may result in PSO exercising its sole discretion to terminate all such grants," says the letter.

The city was awarded roughly $2.5 million in public safety grants in fiscal year 2026. If the grants are terminated, the city will be required to repay the entire amount, per the letter. 

Catch up quick: Earlier this year, the Austin Police Department announced new rules for when and how officers call ICE if someone they detained has a noncriminal immigration warrant. 

The rules were updated after APD in January called ICE during an encounter with a Honduran woman and her 5-year-old U.S. citizen daughter, which led to their deportation — and swift public backlash.  

The rules require officers to clear any communication with ICE with a supervisor if the suspect has a noncriminal administrative warrant. It also bars "unreasonably prolonging a detention" in order to contact ICE.

Austin police must communicate with ICE about suspects facing criminal charges, according to the guidelines.

What they're saying: APD policy had been revised "to assure our officers can best meet local public safety needs, maximize the use of our limited police resources, and provide much needed clarity to officers when encountering ICE administrative warrants," Mayor Kirk Watson wrote on X last week.

"Our APD officers do not have the capacity—and should not be asked— to do the jobs of other entities," Watson wrote. "There is great irony that the state would try to punish the city for providing services that keep Austinites safe by threatening grants that keep Austin safe."

Between the lines: Grants in jeopardy include one that provides services to police officers who experience trauma on the job, per the mayor's office.

Other grants on the line aide survivors of sexual assault and improve the ability to respond to violent crimes against women. 

Zoom out: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Houston city officials over the adoption of an ordinance designed to limit cooperation between local authorities and ICE, though the city council on Wednesday amended the ordinance to allow police to continue detaining immigrants with noncriminal ICE warrants without specific time constraints.

Paxton has also opened an investigation into APD's immigration policy.

Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to withhold money over Austin police policies.

Photo illustration of an Austin Police cruiser with lines radiating from it.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Drew Anthony Smith/Getty Images

Austin Police chief Lisa Davis behind a lectern with the APD shield behind her on a wall.

Austin officials have until Thursday to confirm they will not restrict cooperation between city police and ICE — or they risk losing $2.5 million in grants, per a threat from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" target="_self">Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s</a> office.Why it matters: Mayor Kirk Watson has called Abbott&#x27;s threat &quot;political theater,&quot; but it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revives questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" target="_self">revives questions</a> about how much power locally elected officials have to steer city policy.

Preservation Austin hosts its 2026 Homes Tour this weekend, with a rich variety of architectural styles in neighborhoods across town on display.

Why it matters: It's the best chance to peek into Austin's most beautiful homes.

What's happening: This year's tour for the first time includes a home in the Montopolis neighborhood and one from the 1970s.

Other highlights include a Travis Heights folk Victorian home from the late 1890s, a midcentury modern residence on Caswell Avenue and a 1928 European period revival residence just north of the University of Texas campus that has housed professors and deans.

White, single-story cottage with a metal roof and a covered front porch. Green door and shutters, blue chairs on the porch, a brown chain-link fence, and leafy trees framing the yard.

A home on Brackenridge Street included in the tour. Photo: Courtesy of James H. Ruiz Photography

What they're saying: "I feel like we should do what we can to preserve the good parts of Austin," Lori Plicque, a third-generation Austin native and the owner of a home on Crestway Drive that's included in the tour, tells Axios. 

The 1970 split-level contemporary ranch-style home was built by members of the Dacy family, originally Lebanese immigrants who ran a shoe store on Congress Avenue in the 1920s. 

Plicque tells Axios the home has special meaning for her as a Black woman because the shoe store was known for allowing Black customers to try on apparel while other stores along Congress Avenue did not. 

"They were a family with integrity that did the right thing," she says.

Between the lines: Proceeds support Preservation Austin's advocacy efforts and educational programming.

The nonprofit has recently been pushing for some sort of accountability for developers who knocked down much of the old Cenote cafe building on Cesar Chavez.

It's also been helping East Austin homeowners find ways to preserve their homes. 

📍 If you go: Ten homes are on the tour — five each day. 

Until noon Friday, tickets are available online, starting at $40 per person. After noon on Friday and day-of tickets are $55 and will be available for purchase in person at any of the homes on the tour.

The bottom line: "The tour embodies all these threads of Austin that we really need to hold onto amid the city's rapid change," Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin's executive director, tells Axios.

Preservation Austin gets ready for its latest homes tour

This year's tour includes a house from the 1970s and one in Montopolis.

Living room with a tall stone fireplace, starburst chandelier, gray curved sofa with orange pillow, blue rug, plants, and black display cabinets. Sliding glass door leads to a patio.

This home on Crestway Drive is included in the tour. Photo: Courtesy of James H. Ruiz Photography 

Preservation Austin hosts its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 Homes Tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.preservationaustin.org/events/2026-homes-tour" data-vars-content-id="9192e01f-8989-478f-ae61-496350f07519" data-vars-headline="Preservation Austin gets ready for its latest homes tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.preservationaustin.org/events/2026-homes-tour" target="_blank">2026 Homes Tour</a> this weekend, with a rich variety of architectural styles in neighborhoods across town on display.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the best chance to peek into Austin&#x27;s most beautiful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/02/12/austin-homeowners-are-staying-put" data-vars-content-id="9192e01f-8989-478f-ae61-496350f07519" data-vars-headline="Preservation Austin gets ready for its latest homes tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/02/12/austin-homeowners-are-staying-put" target="_self">homes</a>.

Things to Do

We caught up recently with Ben McKenzie, the actor and author who grew up in Austin and was a heartthrob in the TV show "The O.C."

Driving the news: McKenzie, 47, is in town Monday promoting "Everyone Is Lying to You for Money," an investigative documentary about cryptocurrency that he directed.

He's in conversation Monday at 4pm with Evan Smith at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. The film will also screen at AFS Cinema in early May.

Background: McKenzie, an Austin High product who now lives in New York, is the son of Austin poet Frances Schenkkan and attorney Pete Schenkkan. 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

How are you feeling about Austin, whose changes seem bound to the tech bro culture you're making a film about? 

"I have deep affection for Austin. I want my kids to know the town I grew up in — and my 10-year-old sleeps with a Bevo stuffed animal each night. I'm trying to indoctrinate them as UT fans. 

By the same token, when I see a Cybertruck ... it's so antithetical to the liberal, contrarian, iconoclastic sensibility when I was growing up."

But isn't there something contrarian about crypto, too? 

"Crypto did start off with a cyber punk, liberal/libertarian version of the world. At this point, it's been squelched, perverted into what is libertarian anarchism. 'We don't need money ... We'll just build the most beautiful computer code.' It's very dangerous and furthers the fracturing of social consensus."

President Trump looms over this film — and we see him promoting his own cryptocurrency. 

"He says he's not just a good president, he's the greatest president who has ever lived. It's a trait he shares with conmen, to create a conception of themselves as legitimate businessmen."

Does being a celebrity help you land interviews?

"For sure. They want to meet Ryan Atwood from 'The O.C.' And they also underestimate you because Ryan Atwood from 'The O.C.' surely couldn't ask a serious question."

"I want to go back to television. I'm working on a legal drama with David E. Kelley inspired by the Eric Adams corruption investigation — of the search for justice in a world gone mad." 

Talking to Ben McKenzie about his new crypto doc

The former actor on "The O.C." is in town Monday promoting the new movie.

Two men sit at a wooden table in a cozy studio with brick wall and shelves. Left: curly-haired man in a black T-shirt; right: man in a dark blue shirt smiles. Papers and a mug sit between them.

Sam Bankman-Fried interviewed by Ben McKenzie, right, in "Everyone Is Lying to You for Money." Photo: Courtesy of Neil Brandvold via Easy Money Productions

We caught up recently with Ben McKenzie, the actor and author who grew up in Austin and was a heartthrob in the TV show &quot;The O.C.&quot;Driving the news: McKenzie, 47, is in town Monday promoting &quot;Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,&quot; an investigative documentary about cryptocurrency that he directed.

Asher Price

Featured stories

Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll

Talking to Ben McKenzie about his new crypto doc

Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline

Dells announce $750 million donation to the University of Texas

Menefee outraises Green in Houston's congressional runoff