By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-republican-ken-paxton-speaks-after-losing-texas-senate-race Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Republican Ken Paxton speaks after losing Texas Senate race Politics Nov 4, 2026 12:41 AM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke briefly after his opponent James Talarico's victory in the U.S. Senate race. Watch Paxton speak in the video player above. "I will commit that I will be praying for him, that he will do good for Texas and this nation," Paxton said. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Paxton also acknowledged Republican losses across the country. "We've had a difficult night tonight across the country, but it's not over," he said. AP Voter Poll: Skepticism among Texans about Ken Paxton's character Paxton has been dogged by questions of corruption during his run for the Senate — and about two-thirds of voters in the Senate race say…
WATCH: Republican Ken Paxton speaks after losing Texas Senate race
In short
James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton to claim a historic U.S. Senate victory in Texas, marking the first Democratic statewide win there since 1994. In his post-election remarks, Paxton offered prayers for his opponent while acknowledging a difficult national night for Republicans. Paxton's defeat followed intense scrutiny, with polling showing a substantial majority of voters doubted his character. Meanwhile, Republican attacks on Talarico's vegan lifestyle and support for transgender rights produced mixed results among voters.
Key points
- Democrats ended a three-decade drought in Texas statewide elections with Talarico's U.S.…: Democrats ended a three-decade drought in Texas statewide elections with Talarico's U.S. Senate victory.
- Persistent questions regarding corruption and personal character severely hampered Paxton…: Persistent questions regarding corruption and personal character severely hampered Paxton's bid for the Senate.
- Voters were evenly divided over whether Talarico's personal lifestyle and progressive sta…: Voters were evenly divided over whether Talarico's personal lifestyle and progressive stances were excessively extreme.