Democrat James Talarico wins election to U.S. Senate from Texas

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a campaign event in San Antonio, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Democrat James Talarico won the election Tuesday to the U.S. Senate representing Texas, defeating Republican Ken Paxton.

The Associated Press declared Talarico the winner at 9:03 p.m. MST.

Talarico's victory represents the first time a Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, a shakeup for a state long dominated by Republicans.

The outcome boosts Democrats as they look to retake control of the Senate.

A seminary student and state representative, Talarico focused on bringing down everyday costs and revisiting corruption allegations against Paxton, a state attorney general. Paxton, who had President Donald Trump's endorsement, said Talarico's progressive stances on social issues were out of step with Texas.

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