Texas Deadlock and Cooper Lead Put Senate Map in Motion — May 20, 2026

James Talarico is polling even with John Cornyn and Ken Paxton in Texas, while Roy Cooper posts an 11-point North Carolina lead and Democrats reserve modest New Hampshire insurance money — a map that is widening, but still demanding proof beyond early polls. In this episode: Top stories: 1. New Texas poll shows deadlocked Senate race as Republicans face 2026 headwinds heading into November election | News | ktbs.com — KTBS https://www.ktbs.com/news/new-texas-poll-shows-deadlocked-senate-race-as-republicans-face-2026-headwinds-heading-into-november/article_b075fa65-3b1a-40c4-ae02-afe779c312e6.html 2. Step Back: When a state like Texas still leans Republican, what actually has to go wrong for the GOP — an unpopular nominee, a bruising primary, national headwinds, turnout shifts — before Democrats can realistically call it a Senate pickup instead of a mirage? 3. GOP Faces “Nightmare Scenario” as Trump Endorses Paxton: “Almost Certain to Make Republicans’ Midterm Campaign Harder” - DSCC — DSCC https://www.dscc.org/article/gop-faces-nightmare-scenario-as-trump-endorses-paxton-almost-certain-to-make-republicans-midterm-campaign-harder/ 4. Polls show Cooper with strong lead over Whatley for NC Senate seat — The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5884320-roy-cooper-leads-senate-race-whatley-north-carolina-poll/ 5. For Democrats, Is NH Senate Race a Battleground, or an Insurance Policy? - NH Journal — NH Journal https://nhjournal.com/for-democrats-is-nh-senate-race-a-battleground-or-an-insurance-policy/ Follow and rate Senate Pickup Watch on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]