Texas, Iowa Senate races shift to toss ups: Cook Political Report

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Trending on The Hill - August 20, 2026

Trending on The Hill - August 20, 2026

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report shifted its ratings for both the Texas and Iowa Senate races to “toss ups” on Thursday as Republicans grapple with a scandal-ridden candidate in the Lone Star State and a shifting political environment that could favor Democrats in Iowa.  

Cook Political Report Senate and Governors Editor Jessica Taylor wrote in an analysis that polling has shown Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico with still net-positive approval ratings while surveys have shown Texas GOP candidate Ken Paxton with low disapproval ratings and “notably underperforming even a generic Republican in GOP polling.” 

Taylor noted that in addition to Paxton’s negatives, there’s also an open question of which Republican groups will invest in the Texas Senate race as Senate Republicans spent a hefty amount of money to support Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).  

Additionally, the Cook Political Report editor added that having a libertarian on........

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