Politics

Texas Republicans Face Unprecedented Losses as Democrats Take Key Statewide Offices

By Rachel Monroe

In a series of surprising election results, Texas Republicans are losing several high-profile statewide positions. Democratic candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa have both moved ahead in polls, and incumbent Republican officials Ken Paxton, Dan Patrick, Don Huffines, and Bo French are also facing defeats. Paxton, the attorney general, and Abbott, the governor, are losing, as is Patrick, the lieutenant governor, who had advocated for placing the Ten Commandments in public schools. Huffines, the comptroller, has linked abortion to murder, and French, the railroad commissioner candidate, has made controversial statements about Muslims and Jews. These outcomes mark the first time in 32 years that a Democrat has been elected to statewide office in Texas, and nearly every key position is now expected to be held by a Democrat. The shift follows a period of intense political polarization and a series of scandals and policy controversies within the Texas Republican Party, including investigations into gender-affirming care for minors, bans on DEI in public higher education, and aggressive immigration enforcement. The changes come amid broader national debates over issues such as the war in Iran, high gas prices, ICE raids, and federal infrastructure projects. The unexpected results have prompted reflections on the durability of political dominance and the potential for significant change in Texas politics.