By Karim Hammam
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Election Day, only to denounce him as a "RINO" hours later after Abbott lost his reelection bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Election results
Hinojosa defeated Abbott 52.8% to 45.7%, according to Associated Press results updated Wednesday evening. She will become the first Democrat to hold the Texas governorship in more than 30 years and the first Latina in the state's history.
Trump's reversal
Trump had praised Abbott as "strong and highly respected" in a Truth Social post Tuesday morning, giving him a "Complete and Total Endorsement." After the race was called late Tuesday night, Trump wrote that Abbott had become a "Republican In Name Only" in the last six months and that his return to his "original formula" was not pretty.
Abbott concedes
In his concession speech, Abbott said he had called Hinojosa to congratulate her and would assist with the transition. He thanked supporters for his 12 years as governor.
Broader Democratic gains
Democrats also flipped a Senate seat as James Talarico beat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. The party notched Senate victories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio, positioning it to control both chambers in what observers called a "blue tsunami."
Trump's response to losses
Trump has sought to shift blame onto other Republicans while drawing attention to his White House renovations. In his first public appearance since the defeat, he stood in the under-construction East Wing ballroom, calling it "the safest place in Washington."
