Overview
- Multiple U.S. media outlets have projected James Talarico as the winner of the Texas Senate race, a result that media say flips a long‑held Republican seat to the Democrats.
- The same projections show Democrat Gina Hinojosa elected governor, giving Democrats rare statewide wins in Texas and reinforcing the shift reported in the Senate race.
- Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee and close ally of Donald Trump, struggled under long‑running accusations of corruption, abuse of power and a public personal scandal that many reports link to his defeat.
- The race drew extraordinary outside money and high‑profile intervention, including reported spending of more than $200 million by Elon Musk and four campaign visits by Donald Trump, but that support did not secure Paxton's victory.
- Talarico, a 37‑year‑old former teacher and state lawmaker who campaigned on economic fairness, anti‑corruption and appeals to independents and disaffected Republicans, will take a Senate seat that could reshape the chamber once results are officially certified.