Talafreako trounces Paxton: Trump’s Texas toast in stunning Senate rebuke

A historic Texas Senate result

Texas voters have elected Democrat James Talarico to the U.S. Senate, according to the report, which describes the result as historic. Talarico is projected to defeat Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general.

The article says this would be the first time in nearly 40 years that a Texas Democrat has been elected to the upper chamber. It also frames the race as part of Democrats’ effort to change the balance of power in Congress.

A costly, nationally watched race

The contest was among the most expensive Senate races in U.S. history. Democrats viewed Paxton as a key target as they sought to gain ground in Congress and challenge President Donald Trump’s second term.

Paxton had Trump’s endorsement. His campaign was also weighed down, the article says, by investigations, a fraud indictment, an impeachment and other scandals.

Campaign attacks and support

Paxton attacked Talarico with the phrase “Low-T,” an apparent effort to question his masculinity. Trump and anti-Talarico campaigns also criticized Talarico’s support for transgender people, using platforms and broadcast advertising.

Reactions and other races

Republican Senator John Cornyn, whom Paxton defeated in the Republican primary earlier this year, congratulated Talarico on Tuesday night. Cruz, who is up for re-election in 2030, called Talarico a “radical” and said he was acting like a moderate.