Texas Senate seat breaks decades-long Democratic drought as James Talarico becomes first Democrat to win
A breakthrough in Texas
Talarico had been little known until last year, but polling during the campaign suggested he was gaining ground. At a watch party in Austin, supporters erupted as television screens showed him projected to win.
The result marks a rare Democratic success in a state where winning statewide office had long seemed out of reach to liberals. Talarico’s campaign appealed to a party base eager for a change in leadership.
Pressure on Republicans
Paxton faced political difficulties, including a 2023 impeachment by fellow Republicans over corruption accusations. The state Senate later acquitted him. Former President Donald Trump made several Texas appearances to support Paxton and other Republicans, including in reliably Republican areas. George Washington University professor Quardricos Driskell called Paxton an “objectively terrible candidate” and described Democrats’ gains as a “bloodbath.”
Voter shifts and wider stakes
Surveys since late summer indicated that most Hispanic voters in Texas disapproved of Trump. The surveys also showed Hispanic voters favoring Democrats over Republicans by a significant margin.
Key points
- James Talarico won a key Texas Senate race for Democrats.
- Talarico campaigned on living costs and criticized financial backing for Paxton.
- Paxton’s political record and Trump’s campaign appearances became part of the contest.
- Surveys showed Hispanic voters in Texas moving toward Democrats and disapproving of Trump.