Democrat James Talarico Defeats Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race, Ending Party's Long Drought

Democrat James Talarico won the U.S. Senate race in Texas on Tuesday, defeating Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988. NBC and CNN called the race while counting continued; with about 65 percent of votes tallied, Talarico led by roughly 21 points. No Democrat had won any statewide Texas office since 1994, and Donald Trump carried the state by nearly 14 points in 2024. Talarico, 37, a state representative, former teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, ran on cost of living and faith after beating Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the primary. Paxton had beaten Sen. John Cornyn with Trump's endorsement, and Cornyn congratulated Talarico. CNN also called the governor's race for Democrat Gina Hinojosa over Greg Abbott. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and Democrats needed to flip four seats.

Right-leaning outlets split. The Daily Mail called Paxton "scandal-plagued," quoted voters citing corruption, and described the party at Talarico's Austin headquarters. It also gave the 53-47 math. The Daily Caller led with a different race, Iowa, where Democrat Josh Turek beat Republican Ashley Hinson 50.9 to 46 percent, and its opening does not mention Texas. Left-leaning outlets The Guardian and Rolling Stone also stress the historic result, but frame it as a blow to Trump and Republican control of Congress. Rolling Stone adds Cornyn's congratulatory words, Paxton's corruption record, and leaked audio about the primary. Both sides agree on the drought-ending milestones. They differ mainly in emphasis: Republican corruption and a second Democratic flip on one side, Trump's setback and Senate control on the other. Reason, an alternative outlet, differs most, criticizing both major candidates, promoting Libertarian Ted Brown, and citing Talarico's 2020 remarks on capitalism.