Talarico wins Texas Senate race as Democrats score major gains

Developing story first seen 4 hours ago

BBC World · 4 hours ago

The Senate result is part of a broader Democratic surge that has also seen Republican governor Greg Abbott lose, the first time a Democrat has won a Texas governor’s race since the 1990s. James Talarico’s victory over Ken Paxton is a major setback for Republicans in a state long considered a conservative stronghold.

Talarico, a former schoolteacher and state legislator, made the rising cost of living a central campaign issue, while Paxton portrayed his views as too progressive for Texas. More than $500 million was spent on the Senate contest, including $158 million from Elon Musk to a super PAC supporting Paxton; two members of the Bush family backed Talarico. Paxton had also faced political scandals, including his 2023 impeachment by fellow Republicans over corruption accusations.

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In short

Talarico wins Texas’s first Democratic Senate seat since 1988.
Democrats also defeat Republican governor Greg Abbott.
More than $500 million was spent on the Senate race.

How this story developed

2 hours ago Talarico’s win gave Democrats their first Texas Senate victory since 1988, adding to their gains nationwide.
2 hours ago A Democratic surge in Texas included former schoolteacher and legislator James Talarico defeating Ken Paxton for the Senate, after campaigning on living costs amid heavy spending and scrutiny of Paxton’s record.