James Talarico Wins Texas Senate Race, Ending Decades of Democratic Drought

James Talarico defeated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race on November 3, 2026, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate seat from the state since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988. No Democrat had won any statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Talarico, a state representative and seminarian from the Austin area, prevailed in one of the most expensive Senate contests in Texas history. Paxton, a close ally of President Trump, had won a contentious Republican primary against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Trump campaigned for Paxton in the general election.

The result contributes to Democratic control of the Senate. Talarico addressed supporters in Austin after the race was called, stating that Texas voters had rejected the direction of the previous two years. He will become one of the youngest members of the Senate when he takes office in January.

Paxton faced multiple legal and ethical controversies during his time as attorney general, including an impeachment trial in the Texas House that ended in acquittal by the state Senate. Those issues factored into the campaign. Talarico focused on economic concerns, health care, and education while responding to Republican attacks that centered on his past statements regarding gender and religion.

Trump had won Texas by nearly 14 points in 2024. Talarico’s victory therefore represents a substantial shift in a state long considered solidly Republican. Suburban areas around Austin, Dallas, and Houston showed strong Democratic performance, and Talarico also improved on previous Democratic margins in some rural counties.

The campaign included heavy spending on television and digital advertising. Republican ads highlighted Talarico’s earlier remarks on transgender participation in sports and a comment that “God is nonbinary.” Talarico adjusted his public position on sports participation during the race, stating he would oppose rules that endanger safety or fairness. He is cisgender and in a relationship with a woman.

Talarico’s background as a former public school teacher and his seminary training formed part of his pitch to voters concerned about education funding and cultural issues. He entered the race after serving in the Texas House, where he gained attention for floor speeches on school finance and social policy.

The win also has implications for the balance of power in Washington. With Democrats holding the Senate majority, Talarico’s vote will matter on judicial nominations, spending bills, and foreign policy measures. Texas remains the second-most populous state, so its Senate representation carries weight in national debates.

Full results will be certified under Texas law in the coming weeks. Talarico’s margin was sufficient for major outlets to project the outcome on election night. The victory ends a 38-year drought for Democrats in Texas Senate races and a 32-year drought for statewide offices overall.