Democrats won the state's top seats in the midterm elections, defeating longtime Republican incumbents Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to The Texas Newsroom. James Talarico won the U.S. Senate race.
Political consultants and strategists from both parties told The Texas Newsroom that economic pain, including from President Donald Trump's tariffs and the war in Iran, was likely the biggest factor in more people voting Democratic. They also pointed to the administration's mass deportations and reduced Republican support among Latino voters and some lifelong conservatives.
Garrett Fulce, a Republican political consultant, said early results suggest a swing of around 50 points among Hispanic voters from red to blue since 2024. He said the shift was most visible in border counties such as Starr County, which unofficial results show voted overwhelmingly Democratic after backing Trump in 2024. Fulce also said suburban and rural voters moved toward Democrats. Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser of Austin said Democrats also boosted turnout in cities, while Republicans were less motivated and did not turn out in the numbers they needed.