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James Talarico Wins Texas Senate Seat, First Democrat Since 1994

Updated 3:43 AM ET · 2:16 AM ETConfirmedShare via:          

Politics Desk

In Short: Talarico's victory marks the first time a Democrat has held the seat since 1988, according to Decision Desk HQ, with 68% of votes counted, showing Talarico received 55.3% to Paxton’s 43%.

James Talarico, a Democrat and state lawmaker, won the Texas Senate seat over Republican incumbent Ken Paxton, according to NBC News and the Associated Press. The race was called for Talarico shortly before 9:00 p.m. Local time, with Talarico leading by 59.4% of the vote as of 10:04 p.m., according to the AP.

Talarico's victory marks the first time a Democrat has held the seat since 1988, according to Decision Desk HQ, with 68% of votes counted, showing Talarico received 55.3% to Paxton’s 43%. This historic win is part of a broader trend of Democrats scoring major victories in Texas during the 2026 midterm elections.

Talarico, a 52-year-old attorney, campaigned on a platform of uniting Texans from all backgrounds and beliefs to take on a broken, corrupt political system. He linked the affordability crisis to a political system dominated by big-money donors, particularly targeting tech billionaire Elon Musk, who spent over $200 million supporting Paxton, according to federal filings.

Talarico's campaign strategy included securing endorsements from 21 current and former Republican officials, highlighting his cross-party appeal. He also emphasized his record of advancing policies that protect children online, strengthen parental rights, and hold Big Tech accountable when it breaks the law.

The race saw a significant shift in voter sentiment, with Talarico's support slowly inching up by about a point each month since August, from 46% to 48%, while Paxton's support hovered between 46% and 47%, according to Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

Talarico's absence from the campaign trail for 12 days, citing the flu, was noted by Paxton during a rally in San Antonio, where President Donald Trump also sought to boost the Republican candidate. Talarico returned to the campaign trail after nine days, addressing the health concerns and continuing his push for the Senate seat.

Supporters celebrated Talarico's win, with some chanting 'Si se puede' and honking horns in celebration. Anisha, 29, expressed hope that the two Democrats would govern 'for everyone, not just the billionaires, not just the elite.'

Talarico will take office in January 2027, joining Republican Sen. Ted Cruz as one of Texas’ two representatives in the U.S. Senate. His victory gives Democrats one of the four Republican-held seats they needed to flip to secure a Senate majority.

Background

What's confirmed

• Democrat James Talarico has won the Texas Senate seat over state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), with NBC News calling the race shortly before 9:00 p.m. local time.
• Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S.

What's still developing

• "In this race we went up against our own Goliaths," Talarico said, comparing his campaign to the slingshot wielding David, who felled Goliath despite being outmatched.
• With final election results still coming in, both NBC and CNN called the race for Talarico.

Sources

• AFPlink
• BBClink
• Breitbartlink
• FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worthlink
• Fox Newslink
• Houston Public Medialink
• Ibtimeslink
• Indiatvnewslink
• Mother Joneslink
• NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worthlink
• NBC Newslink
• Texas Public Radio | TPRlink
• Texas Scorecardlink
• The 19th Newslink
• The Texas Tribunelink
• Warpbeatlink
• Associated Press — video link