Republican Ken Paxton is locked in a dead heat with Democrat James Talarico for a Senate seat in ruby-red Texas

Pocketbook worries rank as the leading issue for Texas voters, and Talarico holds a substantial advantage among those feeling the squeeze of higher prices. A CBS News poll finds he wins 5% of self-identified Republicans. Paxton benefits from strong backing for the Trump administration's deportation programme, which commands more support in Texas than it does nationally. With weeks still to run, the outcome may ultimately depend on turnout.

Endorsing Paxton, Trump said he 'may not dress right' or talk 'exactly perfectly'.

Paxton, 63, was impeached by Texas Republicans and later acquitted on abuse-of-office charges.

Nearly half of Texas voters view Talarico as 'very liberal'.