Politics1 min read

WATCH LIVE: Democrat James Talarico speaks after winning Texas Senate seat

By · Via PBS NewsHour · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Associated Press declared Democrat James Talarico the winner over Republican Ken Paxton at 11:03 p.m. EST on Tuesday. Talarico, a state representative and seminary student, centered his campaign message on reducing everyday expenses while highlighting corruption allegations against his opponent. Paxton countered by claiming Talarico's progressive views were out of touch, but the strategy failed to protect the seat. The outcome represents the first statewide victory for Texas Democrats in thirty years.

Key points

  • Democrats have secured their first statewide political victory in Texas since the 1994 el…: Democrats have secured their first statewide political victory in Texas since the 1994 election cycle.
  • Focusing on everyday living costs and political corruption proved to be a winning strateg…: Focusing on everyday living costs and political corruption proved to be a winning strategy against Paxton.
  • The outcome fundamentally alters the political landscape of a state long dominated by Rep…: The outcome fundamentally alters the political landscape of a state long dominated by Republican officeholders.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-democrat-james-talarico-speaks-after-winning-texas-senate-seat Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH LIVE: Democrat James Talarico speaks after winning Texas Senate seat Politics Nov 4, 2026 12:26 AM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat James Talarico won election Tuesday to the U.S. Senate representing Texas, defeating Republican Ken Paxton. Watch the livestream in the video player above. 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. A seminary student and state representative, Talarico focused on bringing down everyday costs and revisiting corruption allegations against Paxton, a state attorney general. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Paxton, who had President Donald Trump's endorsement, said Talarico's progressive stances on social issues were out of step with Texas. The Associated Press declared Talarico the winner at 11:03 p.m. EST. Explore…

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