Democrats win Texas House and key statewide races in midterm elections

Democratic candidates won control of the Texas House of Representatives and secured victories in major statewide elections on Tuesday. PBS, NPR Politics, and Politico all reported that the victories ended decades of Republican dominance in the state. PBS noted that this is the first time Democrats have held the state House majority since Republicans gained control following the 2002 election. [1][3][4][5]

In the statewide contests, Gina Hinojosa was elected as the first Democratic governor of Texas since Ann Richards, as PBS and The Hill reported. The Hill added that Hinojosa defeated three-term Governor Greg Abbott in an upset victory, while James Talarico won a United States Senate seat by double digits against state Attorney General Ken Paxton. NPR Politics reported that Democrats won every statewide contest in Texas. [1][4][7][9]

In federal contests, Decision Desk HQ projected Democratic candidate Johnny Garcia to win the race for Texas's 35th Congressional District, according to The Hill. The district is currently represented by Representative Greg Casar, a Democrat, and had been redrawn by state Republicans during a mid-decade redistricting effort. [2]

The Texas House of Representatives consists of 150 members who are elected from single-member districts for two-year terms without term limits. While Democrats secured a majority in the lower chamber, PBS reported that Republicans maintained control of the Texas Senate. [1][11]