By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrat James Talarico has won the US Senate race in Texas, ending a 38-year drought for his party in the Republican stronghold and dealing a major blow to Donald Trump.
Defeat of Ken Paxton
Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, the state attorney general and a staunch Trump ally, in one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm elections. The result could shift Senate control and complicate Trump's agenda in his final two years.
Breaking a Long Losing Streak
No Democrat had won a Senate seat in Texas since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988, and none had captured statewide office since 1994. Trump carried the state by nearly 14 points in 2024. Talarico, 37, a Presbyterian seminarian, former middle school teacher, and state representative, built his campaign on economic concerns, Christian faith, and political unity.
Controversies Surrounding Paxton
Paxton, 63, faced impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 over corruption and abuse of power allegations, though he was acquitted by the state Senate. Securities fraud charges were resolved in 2024 with community service, ethics training, and restitution. Paxton denied wrongdoing.
Record Spending and Fundraising
The race became one of the most expensive Senate contests in US history, with advertising spending exceeding $500 million. Trump backed Paxton, who defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a bitter primary. Billionaire Elon Musk contributed $158 million to a super PAC supporting Paxton. Talarico countered with a formidable fundraising operation, raising $64 million in the third quarter, 97% from donations under $100.
Campaign Themes and Attacks
Republican ads focused heavily on Talarico's positions on transgender issues, religious views, and scripture interpretation, some of which fact-checkers challenged. Talarico portrayed Paxton as corrupt and argued Republicans were distracting voters from economic pressures like rising fuel and everyday costs.
