FILE PHOTO: Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a rally in San Antonio, Texas, U.S., May 29, 2026. REUTERS/Joel Angel Juarez
Democrat James Talarico won Texas’ Senate race Tuesday, defeating Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, NBC News and Decision Desk HQ projected.
It’s an explosive end to one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. Talarico will be the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas since 1994 and the first to win a Senate race there since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.
Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 and acquitted by the state Senate, won the GOP nomination over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) after President Donald Trump endorsed him a week before their runoff. Talarico, a Democratic state legislator and seminarian, emphasized faith, affordability and bipartisan appeal.
The contest drew national attention and heavy spending as control of the Senate came into play. Tech mogul Elon Musk poured $158 million into a super PAC backing Paxton, according to filings cited by The Hill, while Talarico led in fundraising for most of the year.
Both sides ran aggressive advertising. Republicans attacked Talarico’s positions on social issues, including transgender rights, while Democrats focused on Paxton’s ethics record.
Polls in the closing weeks showed a tight race, with Talarico leading most of them and drawing crossover support from Republicans. Neil Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush, said he voted for him.
In the final days, Trump campaigned with Paxton at rallies in Corpus Christi and Lubbock, where Paxton mistakenly called July 4 the nation’s 200th anniversary. Paxton also made campaign stops of his own, including one in San Angelo that drew a small crowd.
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