U.S. Senate, Texas · November 3, 2026
Who should I vote for in the Texas U.S. Senate race?
James Talarico has the strongest record in the Texas U.S. Senate race. James Talarico scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ken Paxton at 58, as of October 5, 2026. James Talarico's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Ken Paxton's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Avery Ayers (1 of 15 criteria), Ted Brown (6 of 15 criteria), Bradford "Brad" Hall (0 of 15 criteria), Zul Mohamed (2 of 15 criteria) and Jade Simmons (6 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Write-in
Avery Ayers
On the ballot as AVERY AYERS
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 1 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Libertarian
Ted Brown
On the ballot as TED BROWN
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 6 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Bradford "Brad" Hall
On the ballot as BRADFORD "BRAD" HALL
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Zul Mohamed
On the ballot as ZUL MOHAMED
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 2 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 0
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Ken Paxton
On the ballot as KEN PAXTON
58 / 100
Public evidence on 12 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 35
- Qualifications
- 80
- Performance
- 63
Independent
Jade Simmons
On the ballot as JADE SIMMONS
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 6 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 45
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Strongest record
James Talarico
On the ballot as JAMES TALARICO
68 / 100
Public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 56
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- 75
Disclosure: The Political Group has provided campaign services to Ted Brown. The same rubric and the same sources were applied to every candidate in this race.
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Avery Ayers
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Ted Brown
- On the record2026-06-02
Retired insurance adjuster who formerly chaired the Libertarian Party of California and is vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Travis County.
Bradford "Brad" Hall
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Zul Mohamed
- Mark against2024-12-13
Pleaded guilty to 106 felony charges over forged mail ballot applications in the 2020 Carrollton mayoral race; a Denton County jury sentenced him in December 2024 to four years in prison and 10 years probation.
Sources: Denton Record-Chronicle, Dec. 15, 2024, The Dallas Morning News via Yahoo News, April 2, 2026, The Texas Tribune, Oct. 8, 2020, CBS News Texas, Oct. 8, 2020
Ken Paxton
- Mark against2025-04-04
A Travis County judge ruled in April 2025 that his office violated the Whistleblower Act by firing four aides who reported him to the FBI, awarding $6.6 million; he dropped his appeal in July 2025.
Sources: CNN (Associated Press), April 5, 2025, The Texas Tribune, April 4, 2025, The Texas Tribune, July 3, 2025
- Mark against2014-05-02
The Texas State Securities Board reprimanded him and fined him $1,000 in 2014 for soliciting investment clients for an adviser without being registered, as the Texas Securities Act requires.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, May 2, 2014, CBS News Texas, Oct. 27, 2023
- Mark against2008-03-12
The Texas Ethics Commission found credible evidence that, as a state representative, he misreported political expenditures on 2005 and 2006 campaign reports, and imposed a $200 civil penalty in an agreed order (SC-2612257).
Sources: Texas Ethics Commission, Order and Agreed Resolution SC-2612257, Texas Ethics Commission, sworn complaint orders by date issued
- Unresolved2026-07-14
In July 2026 the Collin County Democratic Party asked the secretary of state to investigate whether he voted from an address where he no longer lived; his campaign says he is a lawful voter.
Where it stands: Complaint by a county party. The secretary of state said it does an initial review and refers complaints to the attorney general; on July 23, 2026 it said the complaint remained under staff review. No referral, charge or finding was found as of Oct. 5, 2026.
Sources: Houston Public Media (KERA), July 15, 2026, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica, July 24, 2026
- On the record2026-09-28
Had not agreed to any 2026 general election debate with his Democratic opponent as of late September 2026; a Texas A&M debate and a CNN town hall invitation were unconfirmed.
Sources: KBTX, Sept. 23, 2026, KBTX, Sept. 28, 2026
- On the record2026
PolitiFact has rated 12 of his statements: three False, three Pants on Fire, four Mostly False, one Mostly True and one True. One fact-check outlet (R3).
Source: PolitiFact, Ken Paxton scorecard
- On the record2025-01-23
The Texas Supreme Court dismissed in January 2025 the State Bar of Texas's professional misconduct suit against him over his 2020 election lawsuit; the bar had sought sanctions up to disbarment.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, Jan. 23, 2025, ProPublica, April 4, 2025
- On the record2025-04-03
The Justice Department declined to prosecute him in the final weeks of the Biden administration, ending a federal corruption investigation that grew from his former aides' allegations, the AP reported on April 3, 2025.
Sources: The Texas Tribune (Associated Press), April 3, 2025, ProPublica, April 4, 2025
- On the record2023-05-27 to 2023-09-16
The Texas House impeached him 121 to 23 on May 27, 2023, on 20 articles including bribery and abuse of office; on Sept. 16, 2023 the Senate acquitted him on 16 and dismissed four.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, May 27, 2023, The Texas Tribune, Sept. 16, 2023, NPR, Sept. 16, 2023, Ballotpedia, Ken Paxton
- On the record2020-12-11
As attorney general he filed Texas v. Pennsylvania in December 2020 to challenge results in four states Biden was certified to have won; the Supreme Court denied it for lack of standing.
Sources: NPR, Dec. 11, 2020, U.S. Supreme Court order list, Dec. 11, 2020, No. 155, Orig., The Texas Tribune, Dec. 11, 2020
- On the record2017-03-02
A federal judge dismissed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil fraud case against him in March 2017, ruling he had no plausible legal duty to disclose his compensation to investors.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, March 2, 2017, KUT (Texas Tribune), March 2, 2017
- On the record2015-08 to 2025-06-18
Indicted in 2015 on state felony securities fraud charges; under a March 2024 pretrial agreement, with no plea, he paid about $271,000 restitution, and the charges were dismissed June 18, 2025.
Sources: KUT (Texas Tribune), March 2, 2017, The Texas Tribune, March 26, 2024, Bloomberg Law, June 18, 2025, FOX 26 Houston, June 18, 2025
- Credit2024-07-30
As attorney general he secured a $1.4 billion settlement from Meta in July 2024 over the use of Texans' biometric data without consent, and announced a $1.4 billion settlement with Google in 2025.
Sources: CNBC, July 30, 2024, The Texas Tribune, June 3, 2026
- Credit2007-06-15
Two of his 2007 bills that became law had Democratic partners: HB 2300 with Rep. Eddie Lucio III, and HB 2718 with Rep. Sylvester Turner and Sen. Rodney Ellis as Senate sponsor.
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, HB 2300 (80R) history, Texas Legislature Online, HB 2718 (80R) history
- Credit2003 to 2014
Forty-six bills he first-authored became law in the Texas House and Senate, and the Center for Effective Lawmaking rated him Above expectations for 2007 to 2008 and Meets in his other five terms.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026), Texas Legislature Online, Bills Authored, Rep. Ken Paxton, 81st Legislature
Jade Simmons
- Mark against2021-12-02
The FEC fined Citizens for Jade Simmons, her 2020 presidential committee, for three late 2020 reports: $300 (AF 4027), $232 (AF 4043) and $178 (AF 4125), all paid in full.
Sources: FEC administrative fine AF 4125, FEC administrative fine AF 4043, FEC administrative fine AF 4027, FEC committee page, Citizens for Jade Simmons
James Talarico
- Mark against2026-10-02
The Texas Ethics Commission delinquent filer list, data dated Oct. 2, 2026, shows an unpaid $500 civil penalty for an untimely filing by him as state representative; not referred to the Attorney General.
Sources: Texas Ethics Commission, delinquent filer list data feed, Texas Ethics Commission, delinquent filer list (candidates and officeholders), Texas Ethics Commission, enforcement page
- On the record2026-09-25
Accepted three proposed 2026 general election debates, per WFAA, and a CNN town hall set for Oct. 14, 2026; no debate with his Republican opponent had been scheduled.
Sources: USA Today Network, Sept. 25, 2026, KBTX, Sept. 28, 2026
- On the record2025-08 to 2026-06-08
Joined the August 2025 House Democratic quorum break over congressional redistricting; a Republican-led House committee fined each absent Democrat over $8,000 in April 2026, and he had not paid as of June 8, 2026.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, April 10, 2026, San Antonio Current, June 8, 2026
- Credit2023-06-12
Authored HB 25 (2023), a wholesale prescription drug importation law, with Republican joint authors and Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst as Senate sponsor; it took effect Sept. 1, 2023.
- Credit2021-06-14
Was a House sponsor of SB 827 (2021), authored by Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, which capped insulin copays at $25 for state-regulated plans; Republicans say he overstates his role.
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, SB 827 (87R) history, The Texas Tribune, Jan. 27, 2026
- Credit2019 to 2024
The Center for Effective Lawmaking rated him Meets expectations in each of his three scored House terms; ten bills he first-authored became law from 2019 to 2023.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026), Texas Legislature Online, Bills Authored, Rep. James Talarico, 87th Legislature
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Avery Ayers. Declared write-in candidate on file with the Secretary of State; FEC report on file showing $0 raised (Aug. to Oct. 2025). No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: Texas Secretary of State candidate information portal, 2026 November General Election, U.S. Senator (portal data service), FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search, Ayers
Ted Brown. Campaign reports on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026; no FEC administrative fine found. No Texas Ethics Commission sworn complaint order names him.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search, "Ted Brown", Texas Ethics Commission, sworn complaint orders by date issued
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. Pleaded guilty to 106 felony charges over forged mail ballot applications in the 2020 Carrollton mayoral election; a Denton County jury sentenced him in December 2024 to four years in prison and 10 years probation. He appealed.
Sources: Denton Record-Chronicle, Dec. 15, 2024, The Dallas Morning News via Yahoo News, April 2, 2026
Ken Paxton. Campaign reports on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026; no FEC administrative fine names his committees. No Texas Ethics Commission order in the last 10 years and not on its delinquent lists. State Bar shows no public discipline.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search, Paxton (the only match is an unrelated committee whose donor list names an employer called Paxton Media), Texas Ethics Commission, sworn complaint orders by date issued, Texas Ethics Commission, delinquent filer list (candidates and officeholders), State Bar of Texas, attorney profile, Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr.
Jade Simmons. Declared write-in candidate on file with the Secretary of State; FEC report on file through June 30, 2026. Three FEC fines on her 2020 presidential committee are scored under Management (E20).
Sources: Texas Secretary of State candidate information portal, 2026 November General Election, U.S. Senator (portal data service), FEC candidate page
James Talarico. Campaign reports on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026; no FEC administrative fine. No Texas Ethics Commission sworn complaint order names him. An unpaid $500 late-filing penalty is scored under Management (E20).
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search, Talarico, Texas Ethics Commission, sworn complaint orders by date issued
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. Ran against three-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 primary, a challenge Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the Senate Republican campaign arm opposed, per the Texas Tribune.
Source: The Texas Tribune, May 27, 2026
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. Had not agreed to any 2026 general election debate as of early October; WFAA reported his campaign had not responded since Aug. 24, and he had not confirmed a CNN town hall invitation.
Sources: KBTX, Sept. 23, 2026, USA Today Network, Sept. 25, 2026, KBTX, Sept. 28, 2026, Newsweek, Oct. 3, 2026
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. Accepted three proposed 2026 general election debates per WFAA, held open town halls including a Houston event where he took audience questions for more than 90 minutes, and accepted a CNN town hall set for Oct. 14.
Sources: USA Today Network, Sept. 25, 2026, FOX 26 Houston, July 21, 2026, KBTX, Sept. 28, 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. A Travis County judge ruled in April 2025 that the Office of the Attorney General, which he heads, violated the Texas Whistleblower Act by firing four aides who reported him to the FBI, and awarded them $6.6 million. He dropped his appeal.
Sources: CNN (Associated Press), April 5, 2025, The Texas Tribune, July 3, 2025
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. State representative since January 2019, in his fourth term. No censure, reprimand or conduct finding found. A 2026 House penalty for the 2025 quorum break is in the record and is not a conduct finding under E3.
Source: Ballotpedia, James Talarico
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. As attorney general, filed Texas v. Pennsylvania in December 2020 asking the U.S. Supreme Court to set aside results in four states where Biden had been certified the winner; the court denied it for lack of standing.
Sources: NPR, Dec. 11, 2020, U.S. Supreme Court order list, Dec. 11, 2020, No. 155, Orig.
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. Sworn Texas House member since 2019. No official finding of misuse of office and no recorded action to reject certified election results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, James Talarico
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. Retired insurance adjuster; former chair of the Libertarian Party of California and vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Travis County. Has not held public office.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. Texas House member for District 70 from 2003 to 2013 and state senator for District 8 from 2013 to 2015; attorney general of Texas since 2015.
Source: Ballotpedia, Ken Paxton
Jade Simmons. Describes herself as a business owner, author, speaker and concert artist with music degrees from Northwestern and Rice; these rest on her campaign site. Has not held public office.
Source: Campaign site, Meet Jade Simmons
James Talarico. Texas House member since 2019 (four terms, Districts 52 and 50) after work as a middle school teacher in San Antonio.
Sources: Ballotpedia, James Talarico, Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026)
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. Campaign site publishes positions, several of them specific (age verification, digital ID, internet freedom), framed as limits on federal power.
Source: Campaign site
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. As a state senator sat on the Jurisprudence, Education and other committees and was vice chair of Transportation. Campaign issue page states positions mostly in general terms, naming one bill, the CLARITY Act.
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, Sen. Ken Paxton, 83rd Legislature, Campaign site, issues
Jade Simmons. Campaign site publishes positions in general terms on cost of living, small business, education, health care and immigration, plus a proposed Thurgood Marshall Plan.
Source: Campaign site, policy
James Talarico. Member of the House Public Education, Juvenile Justice and Family Issues and Calendars committees; campaign publishes issue pages on 13 topics.
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, Rep. James Talarico, 88th Legislature, Campaign site, issues
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. One channel documented: a campaign issues page. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Ted Brown
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. One channel documented: a campaign issues page. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, and no 2026 debate, forum or town hall was found.
Sources: Campaign site, issues, Ballotpedia, Ken Paxton
Jade Simmons. One channel documented: a campaign policy page. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
James Talarico. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, publishes issue pages, holds open town halls and accepted debate invitations.
Sources: Ballotpedia, James Talarico, Campaign site, issues, FOX 26 Houston, July 21, 2026, USA Today Network, Sept. 25, 2026
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. Lives in Austin per his state filing and holds a Travis County party post. Born in Ohio. FEC by-state data show $750 of $850 in itemized individual contributions from Texas.
Sources: Texas Secretary of State candidate information portal, 2026 November General Election, U.S. Senator (portal data service), Houston Public Media, June 2, 2026, FEC contribution totals by state
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. Lives in Carrollton: his state write-in filing lists Bennington Drive, the street where investigators searched his home in 2020.
Sources: Texas Secretary of State candidate information portal, 2026 November General Election, U.S. Senator (portal data service), Denton Record-Chronicle, Dec. 15, 2024
Ken Paxton. Represented House District 70 from 2003 and Senate District 8 to 2015; the Texas Tribune reported in 2024 that he resides in Collin County. FEC by-state data for 2026 show 82.9 percent of itemized individual contributions from Texas.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Ken Paxton, The Texas Tribune, March 26, 2024, FEC contribution totals by state
Jade Simmons. Lives in the Houston area (Kingwood mailing address on her state write-in filing). FEC data show no itemized individual contributions for 2026.
Sources: Campaign site, Meet Jade Simmons, Texas Secretary of State candidate information portal, 2026 November General Election, U.S. Senator (portal data service)
James Talarico. Born in Round Rock and represents Austin-area districts in the House. FEC by-state data for the 2026 cycle show 55.0 percent of itemized individual contributions from Texas.
Sources: Ballotpedia, James Talarico, FEC contribution totals by state
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. Campaign reports on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, no FEC administrative fine; formerly chaired the Libertarian Party of California (size not stated).
Sources: FEC candidate page, Houston Public Media, June 2, 2026
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. Has headed the Office of the Attorney General since 2015, an office with more than 700 attorneys per the Texas Tribune. Campaign reports on file with the FEC; no FEC administrative fine.
Sources: The Texas Tribune, July 24, 2025, FEC candidate page
Jade Simmons. The FEC assessed three administrative fines on Citizens for Jade Simmons, her 2020 presidential committee, for late 2020 reports: $300, $232 and $178, all closed in 2021 and paid in full.
Sources: FEC administrative fine AF 4027, FEC administrative fine AF 4043, FEC administrative fine AF 4125, FEC committee page, Citizens for Jade Simmons
James Talarico. The Texas Ethics Commission delinquent filer list, data dated Oct. 2, 2026, shows an unpaid $500 civil penalty for an untimely filing by him as state representative, not referred to the Attorney General.
Sources: Texas Ethics Commission, delinquent filer list (candidates and officeholders), Texas Ethics Commission, delinquent filer list data feed, Texas Ethics Commission, enforcement page
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. State Legislative Effectiveness Score Meets or Above expectations in all six scored terms, 2003 to 2014. Texas Legislature Online shows 46 bills he first-authored became law. As attorney general announced $1.4 billion settlements with Meta (2024) and Google (2025).
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026), Texas Legislature Online, Bills Authored, Sen. Ken Paxton, 83rd Legislature, The Texas Tribune, June 3, 2026, CNBC, July 30, 2024
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. State Legislative Effectiveness Score Meets expectations in all three scored terms, 2019 to 2024. Ten bills he first-authored became law, including HB 25 (2023, prescription drug importation); none in 2025. House sponsor of SB 827 (2021), the $25 insulin copay cap.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026), Texas Legislature Online, HB 25 (88R) history, Texas Legislature Online, SB 827 (87R) history, The Texas Tribune, Jan. 27, 2026
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. No public record found.
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. No public record found.
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. Two bipartisan enacted bills documented: HB 2300 (2007), joint-authored with Democratic Rep. Eddie Lucio III, and HB 2718 (2007), joint-authored with Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner and sponsored by Democratic Sen. Rodney Ellis.
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, HB 2300 (80R) history, Texas Legislature Online, HB 2718 (80R) history, Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026)
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. Several enacted bills with Republican partners: SB 827 (2021, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, he was House sponsor), HB 25 (2023, with Reps. James Frank, Dustin Burrows and Stephanie Klick) and HB 30 (2021, with Reps. Andrew Murr and James White).
Sources: Texas Legislature Online, SB 827 (87R) history, Texas Legislature Online, HB 25 (88R) history, Texas Legislature Online, HB 30 (87R) history, Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (all 50 states, Sept. 2026)
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Avery Ayers. No public record found.
Ted Brown. No public record found.
Bradford "Brad" Hall. No public record found.
Zul Mohamed. No public record found.
Ken Paxton. No public record found.
Jade Simmons. No public record found.
James Talarico. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 5, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Texas U.S. Senate race?
James Talarico has the strongest record in the Texas U.S. Senate race. James Talarico scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ken Paxton at 58, as of October 5, 2026. James Talarico's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Ken Paxton's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Avery Ayers (1 of 15 criteria), Ted Brown (6 of 15 criteria), Bradford "Brad" Hall (0 of 15 criteria), Zul Mohamed (2 of 15 criteria) and Jade Simmons (6 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Texas U.S. Senate race in 2026?
AVERY AYERS (Write-in), TED BROWN (Libertarian), BRADFORD "BRAD" HALL (Write-in), ZUL MOHAMED (Write-in), KEN PAXTON (Republican), JADE SIMMONS (Independent), JAMES TALARICO (Democratic). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Avery Ayers a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Avery Ayers has public evidence on 1 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Ted Brown a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Ted Brown has public evidence on 6 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Bradford "Brad" Hall a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Bradford "Brad" Hall has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Zul Mohamed a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Zul Mohamed has public evidence on 2 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Ken Paxton a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Ken Paxton scores 58 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 12 of 15 criteria: character 35 of 100, qualifications 80 of 100, performance 63 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Jade Simmons a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Jade Simmons has public evidence on 6 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is James Talarico a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
James Talarico scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria: character 56 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance 75 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Texas race scored, the trailing candidate's path to victory, and the Texas 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.