Talarico Beats Paxton for Texas Senate Seat

Democrat James Talarico beat Republican Ken Paxton for a Texas U.S. Senate seat by more than 12 points, or 12 extra votes per 100 cast, according to The Verge. Talarico, 37, is the first Democrat to hold a Texas Senate seat since 1988. Paxton conceded on November 3, 2026. Advertising cost over $573 million, the most for any Senate race.