Texas Senate Seat Flips to Democrat James Talarico
Democrat James Talarico has defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the 2026 US midterm race for a Texas Senate seat. The win flips a Republican-held seat in a state long dominated by Republicans. It is one of several early Democratic wins as votes come in across the United States.
Context
Context: Texas has been a Republican stronghold in statewide races for decades, so a Democratic win there is rare and draws national attention. Senate seats are decided by statewide votes, and control of the chamber shapes what laws and judicial picks can pass.
Burning Potato score: 55%