Democrat James Talarico has won the US Senate race in Texas, defeating Republican Ken Paxton, the state attorney general and a staunch ally of President Donald Trump. The victory delivers a stunning blow to Trump and Republican efforts to maintain control of Congress in one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm elections.
Talarico's win marks the first time a Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, ending a decades-long Republican reign in the Lone Star State. This flip sends a jolt through a longtime GOP stronghold that President Trump carried by double digits just two years ago.
The 37-year-old former teacher and Presbyterian seminarian has made history with this victory. Along with Hinojosa, Talarico's win is being celebrated by Democrats as a result that redefines Texas politics.