Democrat James Talarico Makes History, Defeats Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Race

Texas Democrats have scored a historic victory in the U.S. Senate race, with state Representative James Talarico defeating Republican Ken Paxton. The win ends nearly four decades of Republican victories in Texas Senate races and marks the state’s first Democratic statewide win since 1994. Talarico, a former middle school teacher, focused much of his campaign on the economy, affordability and government corruption, while Paxton faced scrutiny over years of legal and ethical controversies. The victory also gives Democrats a major pickup in the U.S. Senate as they look to regain control of the chamber.