For the first time in more than three decades, Democrats have broken Republicans' grip on statewide elections in Texas.
Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, becoming the first Texas Democrat elected to the Senate since 1988.
Meanwhile, Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, becoming the first Latina elected governor of Texas.
The results mark a dramatic reversal in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections since 1994.
The election also put a spotlight on closely watched congressional races across South Texas, where Republicans had hoped to gain seats following a controversial redrawing of district boundaries.
Voters went to the polls amid concerns about the rising cost of living, immigration, political corruption, health care and the war with Iran.
What drove the Democratic victories? Did independent voters and Latino Texans play a decisive role? And what do the results mean for the balance of power in Washington and the future of Texas politics?
On Wednesday's The Source, we'll examine the election results, what they reveal about the state's changing political landscape and whether they represent a temporary backlash against Republicans or the beginning of a lasting political realignment.
Guests:
Charles "Sean" Briscoe is a Democratic campaign consultant.
Jon Taylor, Ph.D., is the UTSA chair and professor in the Department of Political Science and Geography.
Andrea Drusch is a senior reporter at the San Antonio Report.
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m.
Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982.
During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org.
This interview will be recorded live Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
