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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.

New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin

The Sumo Championship League launches as more violent combat sports are ascendant.

A new professional sumo wrestling league will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debut" data-vars-click-url="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" target="_blank">debut</a> in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" target="_self">Austin</a> area next month.Why it matters: As violent combat sports grow in popularity — think <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UFC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" target="_self">UFC</a> — the Sumo Championship League is betting it can sell a family-friendly version.

Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron

The Longhorns' success may depend on whether Arch Manning's protection remains healthy.

Sports

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/24/most-valuable-college-football-programs-texas-the-athletic" data-vars-content-id="e7a7a55e-3083-4078-934b-a1b9d59e3c19" data-vars-headline="Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/24/most-valuable-college-football-programs-texas-the-athletic" target="_self">Longhorns</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="football team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/20/ut-longhorns-clemson-college-football" data-vars-content-id="e7a7a55e-3083-4078-934b-a1b9d59e3c19" data-vars-headline="Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/20/ut-longhorns-clemson-college-football" target="_self">football team</a> kicks off their season Saturday against Texas State in Austin.Why it matters: With the return of star quarterback Arch Manning and a fearsome defensive front, anything short of a national championship will be a disappointment for diehard Texas fans.

Austin scores World Cup bump

New data suggests the tournament brought more visitors to the city.

Austin didn&#x27;t host a single World Cup match, but the tournament still appears to have brought more visitors and spending to the city.Why it matters: The World Cup offered a test for whether cities outside the host lineup could capitalize on one of the world&#x27;s biggest sporting events.

University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series

The Longhorns are making their record 39th trip to Omaha.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" target="_self">men&#x27;s baseball team</a>, ranked sixth nationally, will face No. 3 Georgia in its opening game of the 2026 men&#x27;s College World Series on Saturday. Why it matters: UT is arguably the New York Yankees of college baseball — this berth marks its record 39th appearance in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" target="_self">College World Series</a>.

Everything you need to know about the World Cup in Texas

Houston and Dallas are hosting their first World Cup matches on Sunday.

Headed to the World Cup in Houston or Dallas? Our colleagues in those cities rounded up what you need to know. The big picture: Houston is hosting seven World Cup matches starting Sunday with Germany vs. Curaçao. The Netherlands and Japan play Dallas Stadium&#x27;s first match on Sunday.

Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump

Youth participation has increased alongside the sport's popularity.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off June 11, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada — the first time in 32 years the U.S. will serve as a host nation.Why it matters: More Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuning into" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" target="_blank">tuning into</a> soccer ahead of the sport&#x27;s most prestigious tournament, and youth soccer clubs hope the tournament spurs a rise in participation.

Where to watch the World Cup in Austin

Austin already has a strong soccer bar scene, with fan groups gathering across the city year-round.

Things to Do

The World Cup isn&#x27;t coming to Austin, but there are plenty of places to watch with friends.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;ve rounded up some of the best bars and watch parties around town for soccer fans looking to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.

Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director

Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will take over as interim head coach.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" target="_self">Austin FC</a>, struggling through the first half of the season, has fired head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, effective immediately.Why it matters: The firings, ahead of a long midseason break for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">World Cup</a>, mark an inflection point as the squad aims to shake itself out of mediocrity.

Texas softball gears up for title defense

Texas hopes to defend its national title.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="softball squad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" target="_self">softball squad</a> begins its title defense Friday in Austin with the opening of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overall No. 2 seed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" target="_blank">overall No. 2 seed</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" target="_self">Longhorns</a> are aiming to defend their 2025 national title.

Austin FC partners unveil Texas' first blind soccer pitch

Q2 Stadium also plans to introduce Field of Vision haptic devices.

Austin FC and several community partners have opened a soccer pitch designed for students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) campus in Austin.Why it matters: Organizers say it&#x27;s the first pitch in Texas built for athletes who are blind or have low vision, expanding access to adaptive sports in Central Texas.

Sports 🏅

New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin

Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron

Spurs will appear more often in Austin this season

Austin scores World Cup bump

How salaries stack up for two University of Texas coaches