who is winning the texas senate race: James Talarico defeats Ken Paxton

Who is winning the texas senate race

The race for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat has been decided, with Democratic state Representative James Talarico projected to defeat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to multiple news outlets.

Projected Winner

CNN, The 19th, CBC News and Houston Public Media all project that Talarico will win, making him the first Democrat to represent Texas in the Senate in nearly four decades.

Background

Talarico, a four‑term state legislator from Austin and a Presbyterian seminarian, ran a campaign focused on affordability, government accountability and criticism of Paxton’s ties to former President Donald Trump. Paxton, a longtime conservative figure, was endorsed by Trump and highlighted a campaign centered on masculinity and opposition to transgender rights.

Campaign Themes

• Masculinity and gender issues: Paxton attacked Talarico as “low‑T,” a term referencing testosterone levels, while Talarico softened his previous support for transgender athletes and gender‑affirming care for minors.
• Corruption allegations: Both candidates were targeted with claims of corruption; Paxton faced impeachment proceedings in 2023 that ended in acquittal, while Talarico emphasized his clean record.
• Policy positions: Talarico highlighted education funding and healthcare access, whereas Paxton campaigned on border security and limited government.

Implications

The victory would give Democrats a crucial Senate seat in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1994, potentially shifting the balance of power in the upper chamber. The win also underscores the impact of cultural‑issue campaigning in Texas politics.