Democrats have made a historic breakthrough in Texas, winning two major statewide elections and ending the Republican Party’s decades-long hold on its top political offices. The victories were reportedly driven in part by a shift among Hispanic voters and growing dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, immigration and the war on Iran. Track live updates
In the November 3 midterm elections, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the US Senate race, while Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican governor Greg Abbott to become the next governor of Texas. Democrats last won a US Senate election in the state in 1988, while the last Democratic governor, Ann Richards, left office in 1995. The victories also came as Democrats made significant gains among Hispanic voters, particularly in South Texas, where Republicans had made considerable advances during the 2024 presidential election.
Hinojosa will also make history as the state’s first Latina governor. Texas has been a Republican stronghold for decades.
Voto Latino Executive Director Beatriz Lopez attributed the Democratic victories to strong Latino turnout, driven by affordability concerns and opposition to Trump’s immigration policies, Reuters reported. The shift was linked to concerns over rising prices and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures. Hispanic voters were reportedly among those affected by the administration’s tougher approach to immigration. The war and higher fuel costs became important points of criticism during the midterm campaign.
The organisation registered around 400,000 voters in Texas during the election cycle. The president had won the 2024 election on promises to control inflation and improve the economy.
One of the biggest factors behind the Democratic victories was the shift among Hispanic voters, particularly in the southern part of Texas along the US-Mexico border, according to an analysis by Axios .
