Senator-elect James Talarico offers olive branch to Republicans. Is it resonating?

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Senator-elect James Talarico struck a conciliatory tone during his victory speech Tuesday night, telling those who didn't vote for him that he'd fight for them just as he'd fight for those who did.

"In my experience, when you extend an open hand rather than a closed fist, you'll be surprised by who takes that hand," Talarico said.

Wednesday, he doubled down on that message of unity during an interview with Good Morning America in which he highlighted ways he'd work with Republicans in Congress.

"We need to bring both parties together to pass comprehensive immigration reform. That includes border security. I'm a border security Democrat," he said.

But are Ken Paxton supporters buying it?

"We have to give everyone that wins a chance," Paxton supporter Chris Daniel, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for Harris County District Clerk, said.

While Daniel's receptive to Talarico's olive branch, he says fellow Paxton supporters may need convincing.

"I'm not sure he's making inroads with Republicans who voted for Paxton yet," he said. "It's gonna come down to results. It's all in the pudding. If he can actually make results, then he'll win over some new supporters."

Talarico's existing supporters have been quick to praise his conciliatory approach to politics.

"He did not create division among anyone," Talarico supporter Micael Cano said. "He invited everyone to the table, and I think that's the biggest difference that we saw."

But Daniel says Talarico faces obstacles in his quest to work with Republican lawmakers.

"The fact that he is coming in as a freshman, he is going to have to learn the ropes," Daniel said. "It's not something that you learn overnight, as Ted Cruz found out."