Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he believes Democrat state Rep. James Talarico has a legitimate chance of making the 2026 Texas Senate race competitive, warning that early polling shows a close contest even as he expressed confidence Republicans will retain the seat.

Speaking Wednesday on "The Sean Hannity Show," where Texas Gov. Greg Abbott served as guest host, Cruz described Talarico as a formidable political opponent despite predicting a Republican victory.

"Unfortunately, I do think he has a real chance," Cruz told Abbott.

"I think this is a real race. I think it's going to be close," he said.

"I think we're going to win; I think we're going to keep Texas red, but the polling right now shows this is a one- or two-point race," Cruz added.

Cruz did not identify the polling he referenced but said the numbers indicate the race could be among the most closely watched Senate contests in the country.

Talarico, who represents a district in the Texas House, has drawn national attention for his speeches on education, faith, and Democratic Party priorities.

He has emerged as a potential challenger to Cruz in a state Republicans have controlled for decades but where Democrats have increasingly sought to compete in statewide races.

Cruz said Talarico's public image could appeal to voters who are not closely following political issues.

"This guy is also charming," Cruz said. "He is affable — he sounds like a preacher — and I worry about the voters who may not be paying close attention to the issues, who just turn on the TV and say, 'Oh, he seems like a nice young man.'"

Abbott agreed that Talarico could initially connect with voters but argued the Democrat would become less appealing as the campaign unfolds.

"I personally think Talarico is going to be very beatable once Texans get to know who he really is," Abbott said.

Texas has remained a Republican stronghold in statewide elections for more than three decades, though Democrats have made gains in several recent election cycles. Cruz won reelection in 2018 by fewer than 3 percentage points over Democrat Beto O'Rourke before securing another six-year term in 2024.