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How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O'Rourke

We examine how this year's U.S. Senate race in Texas matches up with the 2018 race.

News

With polls showing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" target="_self">tight U.S. Senate race</a> between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrat 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="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" 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">Democrat James Talarico</a> and Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/thune-paxton-texas-senate-trump" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/thune-paxton-texas-senate-trump" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a>, we decided to see how this year matched up against 2018, the last time a Texas statewide election came down to the wire.Why it matters: Democrat Beto O&#x27;Rourke lost that year to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by 2.6 percentage points, or about 215,000 votes, in a race that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broke fundraising records" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2018/12/07/beto-orourke-80-million-raised/" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2018/12/07/beto-orourke-80-million-raised/" target="_blank">broke fundraising records</a> and raised (and dashed) Democratic hopes of turning Texas blue.

Home concierge startup launches in Austin

The $199 monthly membership includes 90 minutes of handyman work.

Two ex-Uber execs are bringing their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">home</a> maintenance startup Casa to Austin, promising to put household upkeep on autopilot.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casa" data-vars-click-url="https://getcasa.com/" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://getcasa.com/" target="_blank">Casa</a> is betting homeowners will pay to outsource the chores that come with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="owning a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" target="_self">owning a home</a>, from cleaning out a dryer vent to finding a reliable handyman when something breaks.

UT's University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin

The University Democrats club at the University of Texas is hosting the divisive streamer for an event in Austin.

A popular but divisive left-wing streamer will make an appearance Wednesday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/17/university-texas-mexican-american-african-diaspora" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/17/university-texas-mexican-american-african-diaspora" target="_self">University of Texas</a>, drawing controversy even before he steps on campus.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hasan Piker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/hasan-piker-aoc-2028-axios-show" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/hasan-piker-aoc-2028-axios-show" target="_self">Hasan Piker</a> is scheduled to speak in Austin at the William C. Powers Student Activities Center at an event <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosted by the University Democrats club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DczcOBexCpM/?stkn=a3FzcDcxNGNmdHl2" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DczcOBexCpM/?stkn=a3FzcDcxNGNmdHl2" target="_blank">hosted by the University Democrats club</a>.

What to know before going to ACL Music Festival

ACL Fest is due to kickoff this weekend with heavy rains in the forecast.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is due to kick off Friday, but a forecast of heavy rains could make it a slick mess.Why it matters: The festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each fall and brings thousands of music fans to Austin.

What Austin pet owners should know about screwworm

Austin veterinarians are fielding questions about New World screwworm.

Environment

There aren&#x27;t any reported cases of screwworm in the Austin area, but local vets are seeing a rise in questions from pet owners worried about the flesh-eating parasite.State of play: There have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="been 47 cases reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/current-status/confirmed" data-vars-content-id="6fa05788-94d7-4fb7-ad00-4de4078dbb3a" data-vars-headline="What Austin pet owners should know about screwworm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/current-status/confirmed" target="_blank">been 47 cases reported</a> in Texas and New Mexico since June — the closest case in Gillespie County, about 70 miles west of Austin.

Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

Let us know if your eating habits have changed due to the outbreak.

Health

Some Americans are shifting their eating habits to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="avoid lettuce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" target="_self">avoid lettuce</a> and other uncooked vegetables due to the current Cyclospora outbreak.Why it matters: Taylor Farms last month recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and the FDA continues to focus on it as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" target="_self">likely source</a> of the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.

AI joins Austin exam rooms

Patients are informed that AI will record the conversation and can decline its use.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-doctor-health-information-consumers" data-vars-content-id="0e212e2c-c19b-4cb0-bfbe-6ca37d14306f" data-vars-headline="AI joins Austin exam rooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-doctor-health-information-consumers" target="_self">Artificial intelligence</a> is quietly becoming another participant in some Austin exam rooms.Why it matters: Doctors are increasingly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turning to AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/ai-doctors-menopause-care" data-vars-content-id="0e212e2c-c19b-4cb0-bfbe-6ca37d14306f" data-vars-headline="AI joins Austin exam rooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/ai-doctors-menopause-care" target="_self">turning to AI</a> to document patient visits, which gives clinicians more time to focus on their patients instead of paperwork, according to Austin Regional Clinic officials.

Why your symptoms might not tell the full story

You can research symptoms, track changes and still not have a clear answer — but imaging could help guide next steps.

Partners

You now have more ways than ever to research symptoms, compare treatments and track your health.<ul><li>But even with all that information, getting a clear diagnosis isn&#x27;t always straightforward.</li></ul>The landscape: The traditional care path often focuses on managing symptoms first, either by waiting to see if symptoms improve or through treatments.<ul><li>That approach doesn&#x27;t always identify the cause of the issue, and without a clear diagnosis, care can become a series of short-term fixes instead of a targeted plan.</li></ul>

What to know about the "super flu" in Texas

Cases of the flu remain elevated nationwide, according to data from the CDC.

Texas is among a handful of states reporting the highest level of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu activity" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B7de07e1d" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B7de07e1d" target="_self">flu activity</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the latest CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9mbHV2aWV3L3N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZS91c21hcC5odG1sP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfdGFtcGEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bdaeab359" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43403269.12939/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9mbHV2aWV3L3N1cnZlaWxsYW5jZS91c21hcC5odG1sP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfdGFtcGEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bdaeab359" target="_self">the latest CDC data</a>, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="55e9c41d-0e4c-4a51-aad8-361b26aaeb7c" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the U.S. this winter.

Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline

A bill targeting medication abortion has missed a key deadline.

An effort to limit abortion pills in Texas appears to have died in the Legislature.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/20/abortion-rights-advocates-convene-in-austin" data-vars-content-id="c837a9fe-5520-490d-8a19-c5f3cc1ab956" data-vars-headline="Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/20/abortion-rights-advocates-convene-in-austin" target="_self">Abortion</a> is already illegal in Texas, but Republicans this session turned their attention to medication abortion, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which accounts for most abortions performed in the U.S" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/medication-abortion-mifepristone-2023-study" data-vars-content-id="c837a9fe-5520-490d-8a19-c5f3cc1ab956" data-vars-headline="Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/medication-abortion-mifepristone-2023-study" target="_self">which accounts for most abortions performed in the U.S</a>.

Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin

The test has been approved for Medicare recipients.

Austin patients are among the first in the country to have access to a new blood test capable of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="screening for colorectal cancer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/cancer-colorectal-death-people-under-50" data-vars-content-id="acc3c1f6-f67a-4270-8ec0-66a72e9abdc2" data-vars-headline="Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/cancer-colorectal-death-people-under-50" target="_self">screening for colorectal cancer</a>.Why it matters: Officials of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California-based Guardant Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/fda-blood-test-colorectal-cancer" data-vars-content-id="acc3c1f6-f67a-4270-8ec0-66a72e9abdc2" data-vars-headline="Blood tests for colorectal cancer available in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/fda-blood-test-colorectal-cancer" target="_self">California-based Guardant Health</a> say their blood test will be a &quot;game changer&quot; in colorectal screenings, making the cancer easier to test and catch.

The health toll of being a food critic

"You don't have to eat everything on the plate," food writer Matthew Odam says.

Culture

With the restaurant critic for The New York Times, Pete Wells, leaving his post for health-related reasons, we decided to check in on the well-being of the dean of Austin food reviewers.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a glamorous job, but week after week of restaurant food takes a physical toll that is seldom discussed, Wells writes.

Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative

Texas has long struggled with high maternal mortality and morbidity rates.

Some Austin patients who are at risk for pregnancy complications will be part of a new Ascension program that aims to improve maternal health.Why it matters: Texas has long struggled with high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maternal mortality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/20/maternal-mortality-texas" data-vars-content-id="c709e400-d91d-4c0a-b7f9-493b0a9582a8" data-vars-headline="Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/20/maternal-mortality-texas" target="_self">maternal mortality</a> and morbidity rates — now under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnifying glass with the state&#x27;s near-total abortion ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/tracking-maternal-deaths-under-abortion-bans" data-vars-content-id="c709e400-d91d-4c0a-b7f9-493b0a9582a8" data-vars-headline="Ascension rolls out maternal health initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/tracking-maternal-deaths-under-abortion-bans" target="_blank">magnifying glass with the state&#x27;s near-total abortion ban</a>.

Texas board proposes exceptions to abortion ban

The board clarified that an abortion is allowed in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.

The Texas Medical Board&#x27;s proposed guidance on exceptions to the state&#x27;s abortion ban does not offer doctors enough clarity, critics say.Why it matters: The ban, which makes performing an abortion a felony, has led some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hospitals to refuse to treat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/texas-hospitals-patients-pregnancy-abortion-ban" data-vars-content-id="18836de5-0b2e-4b89-968f-97832254a651" data-vars-headline="Texas board proposes exceptions to abortion ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/texas-hospitals-patients-pregnancy-abortion-ban" target="_self">hospitals to refuse to treat</a> even patients with serious pregnancy complications — though the law makes an exception for medical emergencies.

Health 🩺

What Austin pet owners should know about screwworm

Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

AI joins Austin exam rooms

What to know about cyclosporiasis in Texas

Wembanyama shows the power of emotions in sports