Both Patrick and Trump underscored Texas as a linchpin for keeping Republicans in control at the federal level, with Trump warning that flipping Texas could have national consequences and potentially imperil his own presidency.

The remarks were made during a Sept. 2 interview on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s podcast, where the emphasis was on preserving Republican dominance in Texas and in Washington.

Trump cautioned Texas Republicans that electing Democrat James Talarico to replace Senator John Cornyn would be a national-level disaster for the state if the GOP loses the Senate seat.

The race between Paxton and Talarico appears highly competitive across several August 2026 polls, with margins that shift and sometimes exceed the margin of error, illustrating a tight contest.

Trump praised Paxton as a loyal, effective attorney general and criticized Talarico as a “weirdo” who would push unpopular ideologies in Texas.

Polls cited include multiple August surveys: Aug. 4, Aug. 7, Aug. 13, Aug. 25, and Aug. 27 from various organizations, reflecting a broad picture of the race’s dynamics.

The piece notes an upcoming Republican National Committee convention in Dallas where Trump and Vice President JD Vance were slated to speak, tying the Texas race to the party’s broader national strategy.