Democrat James Talarico flips a Texas Senate seat, beating Ken Paxton despite Elon Musk pouring in nearly $190m

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 November 2026.

The win helped Democrats retake full control of both the Senate and House in what sources describe as a tidal wave midterm. Gina Hinojosa simultaneously ousted three-term Governor Greg Abbott by nearly 15 points, ending over 30 years of Republican control of the Texas governor's office.

Paxton's campaign, heavily backed by Elon Musk's reported $190m spend, was undermined by a MAGA activist endorsing him while admitting he 'doesn't follow the Ten Commandments.'

Talarico and Hinojosa celebrated their historic wins with a late-night Whataburger run, with Talarico posting: 'All the money in the world is no match for the people of Texas.'

Raw Story'Kiss of death': GOP strategist joins mockery of MAGA activist’s wild Paxton endorsement PeopleDemocrat Gina Hinojosa Defeats Greg Abbott in Historic Texas Governor Race BBC NewsJames Talarico becomes first Democrat to win Texas Senate seat since 1988 HuffPostJames Talarico, Gina Hinojosa Savor Historic Midterm Wins In The Most Texas Way Possible APDemocrat James Talarico flips a US Senate seat in Texas and sends a shock through the GOP NYTKen Paxton Leans on Trump in Tight Texas Senate Race HuffPostTalarico Win Sends Shock Waves Through GOP PeopleJames Talarico Defeats Ken Paxton, Flipping Texas Senate Seat for the First Time Since 1988

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