Democrats in Smith County gathered Tuesday night at the Jalapeno Tree in Tyler to wait for midterm election results in Texas. As results came in, the party's supporters said Democratic candidates had gained ground across the state.
Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa is set to move into the governor's mansion, and James Talarico is set to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. Talarico is the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since 1988. Hinojosa is the first Latina and third female governor of Texas, and the first Democratic governor of Texas since 1995.
Kristen Hardin-Sigler, chair of the Smith County Democratic Party, said the party has more energy and momentum than she has seen in her lifetime in Texas. She said the party must hold elected officials accountable, "regardless of what side of the aisle they're on."
Julia Perales, 28, said she has only known a Texas run by Republicans. She said many people her age want change and a more hopeful direction for the state.