In Texas, voters are heading to the polls in the runoff to decide the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. The race is closely watched in state politics and the balance of power in Washington. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn, who received the most votes in the first round, is in a neck-and-neck race with Ken Paxton, who came in second. Paxton has the support of President Donald Trump. The election stands out as a contest testing who in the Republican base is closer to Trump. It is noted that voters in some Texas counties who strongly support Trump could influence the outcome. The winner of the race will face Democratic state representative James Talarico in the general election. This situation keeps the possibility of a Democratic surprise alive in the heavily Republican-leaning state. The Texas runoff shapes not only the Senate race but also multiple state and Congressional contests. Polls will close in the evening local time, and results will begin to be announced throughout the day.