Democrat James Talarico has won the race for U.S. Senate in Texas, defeating Republican Ken Paxton, according to NBC News.
The victory fallows a closely watched campaign for the seat held by Republican Se. John Cornyn, who lost his party’s nomination to Paxton earlier this year.
Paxton, Texas’ longtime attorney general, campaigned on advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda, strengthening border security, expanding immigration enforcement and reducing federal taxes and regulations. His economic proposals included new tax deductions for housing and medical expenses, while his broader platform emphasized domestic energy production, gun rights, abortion restrictions and limiting federal spending. He also pledged to support Trump’s immigration policies, including additional border wall construction and deportations.
Talarico, a Democratic state representative and former public school teacher, campaigned on lowering costs for working families, strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable health care and reducing the influence of wealthy donors in politics. His proposals included raising the minimum wage, expanding affordable child care, increasing teacher pay and providing tax relief to working families. He also called for immigration reforms that combine border security with a more humane immigration system. His candidacy drew attention as Democrats sought to win their first U.S Senate election in Texas since 1988.
The result determines who will represent Texas in the Senate for the next six years and could have implications for the balance of power in Congress.
The new Senate term begins in January 2027.
