After Democrats won what KPRC 2 called historic victories in Texas on Tuesday, the station asked voters what issue led them to vote for James Talarico or Gina Hinojosa. The question drew more than 2,000 comments on the station's Facebook page. Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate, and Hinojosa unseated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Some commenters pointed to public education, reproductive rights and the economy. Others said their votes reflected a broader desire for change after decades of Republican control in Texas. Public education came up often, with several commenters frustrated over school funding, teacher pay and the direction of education policy. Raquel Dao, who said she is a public school teacher and parent, said she wants fully funded schools and fairly paid educators. She also cited healthcare, housing affordability and reproductive freedom.
Not everyone welcomed the results. Some commenters raised concerns about the incoming Democratic leadership, including the possibility of higher taxes and changes to the state's political direction.