James Talarico speaks to the Current during a recent San Antonio appearance.

Credit: Michael Karlis Democrat James Talarico has pulled 5 points ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in a new survey on Texas' widely watched U.S. Senate race.

A survey of likely voters by Texas Public Opinion Research shows Talarico, a state representative from the Austin area, leading Paxton, the state's attorney general, 45% to 40% - the Democrat's largest lead during general election polling.