Republican Jay Hardaway is the projected winner of Texas House District 71, defeating Democratic candidate Diana Luna. With 99% of the vote reported, Hardaway had 73.7% of the vote.
Hardaway will join a Texas House that is projected to be under Democratic control for the first time in nearly 25 years. In an interview, Hardaway said he hopes to work with lawmakers of both parties, from urban and rural areas, who support similar policy goals. He named data center reforms as one area he wants to pursue.
Hardaway also said lawmakers should take up legislation issue by issue and not assume that party differences will block progress. He said he wants to avoid a stalemate. Hardaway is scheduled to take office Jan. 12, 2027, at the start of the 90th Texas Legislature.