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NewsWPLG Local 10November 4, 2026Miami-Dade County

Democrats sweep statewide offices in Texas election to retake power

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Democrats won major statewide races in Texas on Tuesday, flipping the governor's mansion, a U.S. Senate seat, and key offices to break decades of Republican control. The victories included ousting incumbent state and federal officials amid voter frustration over high prices and government corruption.

ElectionsState GovernmentPolitical PartiesVotingEconomy
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Why It Matters

The political shift in Texas alters governance in one of the nation's largest economies and removes a foundational electoral anchor for the national Republican party.

Key Facts

  • Democrats won the Texas governor's mansion, a U.S. Senate seat, lieutenant governor, and attorney general on Tuesday.
  • Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.
  • Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, becoming Texas's first Latina governor.
  • Texas Democrats had not won a statewide campaign since 1994.
  • Border counties that previously shifted to Republicans in 2024 swung back to Democrats in this election.
  • The AP Voter Poll found that about three-quarters of voters under 30 and roughly 6 in 10 Hispanic voters supported Talarico.
  • Voters cited frustration over high prices, government corruption, and concerns regarding data centers and biodiversity.

Who's Mentioned

PersonKaren Sites“Registered dietitian from Dripping Springs who voted for Democrats”PersonDan Patrick“Republican Lieutenant Governor who lost his seat”locationFlorida“State where Ron DeSantis commented on the election”PersonRon DeSantis“Outgoing Republican Governor of Florida”locationRio Grande Valley“Border region where Gina Hinojosa grew up”locationTexas“State where the election took place”PersonSofia“Daughter of Karen Sites who voted for Democrats”locationDripping Springs“Texas suburb where Karen and Sofia Sites voted”locationMexico“Country along the border with Texas”locationAustin“Texas city and district represented by Gina Hinojosa”PersonDonald Trump“President whose party was rejected by voters”PersonKen Paxton“Republican attorney general who lost his race”PersonGina Hinojosa“Democrat who won the governor's race”PersonJames Talarico“Democrat who won the U.S. Senate race”PersonGreg Abbott“Republican governor who was defeated”