By Basant El-Faramawy
Texas voters have elected Democratic candidate James Talarico to the U.S. Senate, marking the first time in nearly 40 years that the state has sent a Democrat to the upper chamber of Congress. Talarico is projected to defeat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump despite multiple investigations, a fraud indictment, and an impeachment.
Historic Victory for Democrats
The race was among the most expensive Senate contests in U.S. history, with Democrats targeting Paxton as a key opportunity to flip a seat in their bid to gain a Senate majority. Texas had not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988, and the result represents a significant rebuke to Trump, who campaigned for Paxton in the state on October 7 and October 19.
Trump's Endorsement Backfires
Trump repeatedly mocked Talarico as "Talafreako," compared him to the Mad magazine character Alfred E. Neuman, and falsely claimed the Democratic lawmaker is a vegan who eats barbecue and then vomits from "meat poisoning." Paxton also attacked Talarico as "Low-T," questioning his masculinity using right-wing stereotypes.
Campaign Focus and Fundraising
Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, broke fundraising records and energized voters with a campaign centered on the rising cost of living. He led in several reliably Republican suburban Dallas-area counties that had supported Senator Ted Cruz in 2024.
Cornyn Congratulates Winner
Republican Senator John Cornyn congratulated Talarico on Tuesday night, saying he looks forward to meeting him and offering assistance with his transition to the Senate.
