The words "competitive" and "Texas" don't often show up side by side when it comes to big elections. No Democrat has won a statewide race in the Lone Star State since 1994, and most of the races within that timespan haven't been particularly close.

But now, Democrats are pinning their hopes of ending their three-decade losing streak in Texas on James Talarico, a 37-year-old state lawmaker who has become one of the party's breakout stars of the midterms.

Talarico first gained national attention in March, when he defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a high-profile intraparty primary battle. His Republican opponent is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who bested longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in an often contentious Republican primary runoff. 

By fusing progressive politics, a soft-spoken demeanor and unapologetic Christian faith, Talarico has built a broad base of support among Texas voters that h...