James Talarico Wins Texas Senate Race

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - Democrat James Talarico won the Texas Senate race on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican Ken Paxton. This victory makes Talarico the United States senator-elect from Texas, marking a historic shift in the state's political landscape.

Talarico, who served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives since 2018, secured the seat against Paxton, the incumbent Texas Attorney General. Talarico's win represents the first time a Democrat won a statewide race in Texas since 1994 and the first Democratic Senate victory there since 1988. He also becomes the youngest U.S. senator.

The 2026 United States Senate election in Texas, held yesterday, November 3, 2026, saw Talarico challenge Paxton in a race that focused on masculinity and anti-trans attacks. Talarico's campaign also took aim at "the world's richest man," with Talarico stating, "Texas is not for sale," a message directed at Elon Musk.

Talarico's success flips