Trump turns from former MAGA ally Greg Abbott as Texas election loss becomes clear

Trump backs Abbott, then reverses

Trump had urged voters to reelect Abbott, calling him an exceptional governor in a Truth Social post. The Associated Press reported that Hinojosa defeated Abbott, 52.8 to 45.7 percent, in results updated Wednesday evening.

After the AP called the race late Tuesday, Trump turned against Abbott, whom he had praised hours earlier. The article does not specify what Trump said when he changed his position.

Hinojosa claims historic win

Hinojosa is set to become the first Democrat sworn in as Texas governor in more than 30 years. She will also be the first Latina to hold the office in state history.

During his concession speech, Abbott said he had called Hinojosa to congratulate her. He told supporters that votes remained to be counted but that the result meant he could not win, and said he would help her team during the transition.

Democrats score another victory

James Talarico defeated Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate race, adding to the Democrats’ wins in the state. The article describes Texas as a traditionally Republican stronghold. It says Democrats were poised to take control of both the Senate and the House, while the party’s victories were being called a “blue tsunami.”

Trump responds to party losses

The article says Trump has shifted blame for his party’s election losses onto other Republicans, despite previously telling supporters to act as if he were on the ballot. It also says he has sought to redirect attention toward unpopular White House renovations.

In his first public appearance after the losses, Trump stood inside a ballroom under construction in the demolished East Wing. The article describes the project as a multimillion-dollar ballroom.