James Talarico becomes first Democrat to win statewide in Texas since 1994

Democrat James Talarico has won the Texas US Senate race, defeating Republican Ken Paxton in a historic breakthrough that ends his party’s 32-year losing streak in statewide elections.

Media projections declared the state representative the winner on Tuesday, delivering Democrats a major boost in their efforts to gain control of the Senate.

The result marks a significant shift in Texas, which has long been dominated by Republicans and was won by Donald Trump by 14 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.

Talarico’s victory over Paxton, the state’s attorney general and a prominent Republican figure backed by Trump, represents one of the most striking Democratic gains in the election.

Paxton’s campaign was overshadowed by a series of controversies, including his impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives in 2023 and a securities fraud case.

The outcome highlights the Democrats’ ability to make gains in traditionally Republican territory, with implications for the balance of power in Washington.

Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994, making Talarico’s victory a landmark result for the party and a potential turning point in the state’s political landscape.

The Senate race was among the most closely watched contests of the election, with control of the chamber at stake.

via Reuters

Image via James Talarico X.com page