Democrats are used to heartbreak in Texas - could Talarico turn the tide?

November 1, 2026

Texas Democrats are hoping 37-year-old James Talarico can end their over 30-year losing streak in statewide elections by winning a crucial US Senate seat. The former teacher and aspiring Christian minister has energized supporters across the state, drawing thousands to rallies even in conservative strongholds like Lubbock that heavily favored Donald Trump. This Senate race has become the most expensive in American history, with over half a billion dollars spent, as both parties recognize its potentially transformative impact on Texas politics and national control of Congress.

Who is affected

James Talarico (Democratic Senate candidate)
Ken Paxton (Republican Senate candidate)
Texas Democrats (who haven't won a statewide race since 1988)
Texas Republicans and the Republican Party nationally
President Donald Trump
Texas Senator Ted Cruz
Don Huffines (running for state chief financial officer)
Brendan Steinhauser (Republican campaign strategist)
Voters and residents of Texas
Democrats and Republicans nationwide competing for Senate control

What action is being taken

James Talarico is campaigning across Texas, including holding rallies in conservative areas like Lubbock
President Trump is campaigning alongside Ken Paxton in Texas
Both parties are spending record amounts of money (over half a billion dollars total) on the Senate race
Republican Party leaders are warning supporters about the risks of low turnout
Democrats are turning out voters at higher rates than Republicans (according to Ted Cruz)

Why it matters

This race could determine which party controls the US Senate and thus Congress. For Democrats, winning would break a 30-year statewide losing streak in America's second most populous state and could inspire more Democrats to run for office in Texas. For Republicans, losing Texas would represent a psychological blow and potentially undermine the party's national foundation, as Texas has been a reliable Republican stronghold. A Democratic victory could fundamentally reshape the political landscape in Texas and have ripple effects on national politics.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC