Hinojosa defeats Abbott as Talarico wins U.S. Senate seat in historic election night
By The Alliance Gazette | Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Texas voters delivered a historic result Tuesday, electing Democrat Gina Hinojosa governor and sending Democrat James Talarico to the U.S. Senate, according to race calls by The Associated Press.
Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. She is set to become the first Latina governor in Texas history and the first Democrat to hold the office since Ann Richards left in 1995.
In the Senate race, Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. Talarico’s victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a U.S. Senate race in Texas since 1988. Associated Press: governor · Associated Press: Senate
The results mark a major shift in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections for decades. Before Tuesday, no Democrat had won a statewide office in Texas since 1994.
Hinojosa, a state representative from Austin and former school board president, made public education a central issue in her campaign. Abbott, who has served as governor since 2015, sought another term after years in which Texas Republicans advanced priorities including border security and school choice.
Talarico, also a state representative from the Austin area, ran against Paxton in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races. Their contest drew national attention and substantial campaign spending as both parties fought over control of the chamber.
For Eastland County residents, the statewide outcome will bring new leadership to Austin and a new voice representing Texas in Washington. How those leaders approach issues affecting rural communities, including schools, infrastructure and the cost of living, will become clearer in the months ahead.
Votes were still being counted Tuesday night, and the AP’s calls are projections rather than certified results. The Alliance Gazette will continue to follow the count and report Eastland County results as they are verified.
Election-night report. Results are subject to change as counting and the official canvass continue.