The Cook Political Report said Texas' U.S. Senate race is now too close to call.

Credit: Left: Facebook / James Talarico; Right: WIkimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore The Cook Political Report, one of the most-watched barometers for U.S. political contests, has revised its take on two key Texas races, those for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and for the state's governorship.

After multiple polls showed Democratic contender James Talarico pulling ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, Cook on Thursday updated its rating from "leans Republican" to "toss-up." Sign up At the same time, Cook moved the showdown between incumbent GOP Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa from "solid Republican" to "leans Republican." "The Lone Star State has long been Democrats' 'Lucy and the football,'" Cook Editor Jessica Taylor wrote, explaining Cook's cautious view of Texas.