Democrat James Talarico Secures Texas Senate Seat in Historic Upset

For decades, a Democrat winning a statewide race in Texas seemed an impossible dream for liberals. Talarico's victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a race for governor in the state since the 1990s.

The race drew significant financial contributions. Elon Musk contributed $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which supported Paxton.

Talarico's campaign, by contrast, reported raising $64 million in the third quarter. Ninety-seven percent of those donations were under $100.

Paxton had faced impeachment by his own party in 2023 on corruption accusations. The state's Senate later acquitted him.

Talarico used Musk's financial backing in attacks on Paxton's campaign.

Throughout the campaign, polls suggested Talarico was breaking through with voters. He energized a Texas Democratic base desperate for new leadership.

Talarico maintained good polling numbers despite an onslaught of negative adverts. These included attacks on past comments where he supported transgender people.

Paxton sought to portray Talarico's views as too progressive for the state. Talarico frequently leaned into his religious upbringing, as the grandson of a Southern Baptist preacher who spent time in a seminary, sprinkling his stump speeches with biblical references.

In a stunning move foreshadowing Paxton's doom, two members of the Bush family backed Talarico. The Republican political dynasty counts Texas as its political launchpad.

Former President Trump made multiple stops in Texas to support Paxton and other Republicans. Polls suggested Trump's support among Hispanics, who make a third of the state's population, had ebbed significantly.

Supporters of Talarico went berserk as TVs at a watch party in Austin, the state's capitol, projected him the winner.