Texas Senate race is a dead heat as early voting opens

Early voting began Monday in Texas with the U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton essentially tied.

A CBS News/YouGov poll found Talarico at 51% and Paxton at 49% among likely voters, within the margin of error, according to The Eastern Herald. CBS News elections director Anthony Salvanto described the race on "Face the Nation" on Sunday as about as tight as it can be.

The same poll showed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa 52% to 48%, The Eastern Herald reported. Earlier polls this month from the University of Texas and Marist also showed Talarico narrowly ahead, The Texas Tribune reported.

Closing arguments

Both candidates rallied Sunday evening. Talarico campaigned in Plano, in North Texas, while Paxton spoke in San Antonio, the Washington Examiner reported. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Paxton the same day.

Voters who named the cost of living as their top issue favored Talarico, according to The Eastern Herald's account of the poll.

How to vote in Texas

Texas has a record 19 million registered voters for this election, the Texas Secretary of State's office announced last week.