Texas has picked its next U.S. Senator. Democrat James Talarico defeated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in Tuesday night's election, bringing a closely watched Senate contest to a close and securing a seat in the nation's upper chamber.
Talarico received 55.00% of the vote, compared with Paxton's 43%, according to AP. The victory puts Talarico on track to represent Texas in Washington beginning in January.
The campaign centered on data centers, parental rights, affordability, border security, and gender ideology, with both candidates making their case to voters across the state. Talalrico emphasized raising taxes on corporations and billionaires, healthcare, Immigration and Customs Enforcement reforms, and placing regulations on AI data centers, while Paxton focused on an "America First" governance by implementing economic tax relief, cutting government spending, unleashing American energy production, and completing the southern border wall. He did not place much emphasis on AI data center regulation, a top priority for Texas voters, throughout his campaign.
The race carried national significance as Republicans and Democrats fought for control of the Senate. Texas has remained a Republican stronghold in federal elections, but Democrats entered the contest hoping to make the state competitive.
This is the first time since 1993 that a Democrat held a Senate Seat in Texas.
For Talarico, the victory means taking on a federal agenda that includes tackling data centers, affordability, and tax reform. The senator-elect will continue to face questions about data centers being placed in Texas communities and the ongoing affordability crisis.
"We’ve always been up against a rigged system. But we’ve always had each other," said Talarico. "Let's show the world why you should always bet on the underdog."
Following the election, Talarico took to X, simply saying, "Texas forever."
The campaign is over, but the political fight over Texas' priorities in Washington is just getting started.
