Democrats win Texas, ending GOP dominance
The gist
Democrat James Talarico won the Texas Senate race with 59.2% to Ken Paxton's 39.2%, and Gina Hinojosa unseated Governor Greg Abbott.
The sweep ends a statewide Democratic shutout dating to 1994, reshaping a Republican stronghold.
How it unfolded
- Nov 5, 2024Republican Sen. Ted Cruz won reelection, defeating U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, in what a source called Democrats' latest failed attempt to end decades of GOP dominance.
- Jan 31, 2026Union leader Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat, won a Texas State Senate special election with 57 percent in a district Trump had won by 17 points.
- Mar 3, 2026State Rep. James Talarico defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett 52% to 46% in the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat.