Democrats have regained control of the Senate after sweeping victories in the US midterm elections, with Texas and South Carolina both turning blue for the first time in decades.
The results were confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, ending long Republican dominance in both states. James Talarico, a state representative from Austin, defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state in 38 years. The last Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat was Lloyd Bentsen in 1988, and Talarico was born in May 1989.
Texas flips blue after decades of Republican rule
Talarico benefited from a combination of circumstances, including Paxton's liabilities and his own fundraising. In the closing months of the race, Donald Trump tried to paint Talarico as out of the mainstream, with Elon Musk also spending $158 million to oppose the Democrat. Talarico won in Texas' metro areas, as well as in once GOP-leaning urban and suburban areas.
At the state level, Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial election, beating incumbent Republican Greg Abbott by 1.3 percent in a tight race. Abbott was seeking his fourth term, having led the state since 2014. Hinojosa, a state House member from Austin, will be Texas' first Latina Governor.
South Carolina elects first female senator
In South Carolina, typically described as 'ruby red' due to strong GOP support, Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham in the Senate race. Graham was the sister of long-term Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly in July, and had been appointed to fill his seat.
Speaking to cheering supporters, Andrews acknowledged her historic victory as the first woman elected to represent South Carolina in the Senate, and lamented vitriol in politics and influence from billionaires. "South Carolina, you have shown the nation what is possible," Andrews said. She also said she'd stand up for her state, even if it means disagreeing with other Democrats. Andrews alluded to Trump's support for Darline Graham, adding: "The Senate seat does not belong to one family, one party or to Washington, D.C."
Wider Democratic wins across the country
Beyond Texas and South Carolina, Democrats saw a cascade of victories: Josh Turek defeated Ashley Hinson in Iowa, Adam Hamilton ousted Roger Marshall in Kansas, Sherrod Brown beat Jon Husted in Ohio, and Roy Cooper took an open North Carolina seat. These results confirmed the party's return to Senate control.
