By — Scott Bauer, Associated Press Scott Bauer, Associated Press By — Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-win-full-control-of-more-state-governments-and-the-texas-house Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats win full control of more state governments and the Texas House Politics Nov 4, 2026 4:50 PM EST MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrats in Texas took control of the state House after historic wins for governor and U.S. Senate, part of a series of sweeping gains nationwide in Tuesday's elections that shifted the balance of power across several battleground and Republican-leaning states. It will be the first time Democrats control the House in Texas since Republicans took over after the 2002 election. Republicans are keeping control of the Senate in the state — which also elected Gina Hinojosa its first Democratic governor since George W. Bush ousted Ann Richards in 1994. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank…
Democrats win full control of more state governments and the Texas House
In short
The party capitalized on widespread shifts to gain full governing control in at least five previously divided states, including Nevada and Wisconsin. In Texas, historic down-ballot and statewide victories unseated decades of unified conservative rule, even as the state Senate remained in Republican hands. Beyond outright flips, Democrats dismantled Republican supermajorities across nine legislative chambers, depriving conservatives of unilateral veto-override authority in several states. Moving forward, these incoming leaders must balance major policy fights over tax rates and reproductive rights against widespread economic anxiety over housing and fuel costs.
Key points
- Democrats will hold at least 28 governorships in 2027 following key victories in states s…: Democrats will hold at least 28 governorships in 2027 following key victories in states such as Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.
- Republican lawmakers will now need Democratic votes to override gubernatorial vetoes in I…: Republican lawmakers will now need Democratic votes to override gubernatorial vetoes in Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina.
- Newly elected Democratic officials face immediate electorate demands to address high gas…: Newly elected Democratic officials face immediate electorate demands to address high gas prices, inflation, and affordable housing.