The last time a Democrat was elected to a statewide office in Texas was 1994. Tuesday night, Democrats took both the governor’s mansion and a U.S. Senate seat.
Governor
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, was elected governor of Texas.
The Associated Press called the race for her after Gov. Greg Abbott conceded to Hinojosa.
Tuesday night. Hinojosa, a UT alumna, will be the first Hispanic governor of Texas and the first Democrat to hold the position in over 30 years. Abbott, who has served three terms as governor, had never won reelection by less than 10 percentage points.
As governor, Hinojosa will have the power to appoint members of the UT System Board of Regents. The terms of three members of the board, including Chairman Kevin Eltife, will expire in February 2027.
Senate
State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, beat Republican Ken Paxton to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate, according to Associated Press projections. Talarico, a UT alumnus, is the first Democrat to be elected senator in Texas since 1988. Talarico’s victory comes after one of the most expensive Senate races in history.
Lieutenant Governor
At the time of publication, the race has not been called yet, however, according to the Associated Press state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, led incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Attorney General
At the time of publication, the race has not been called yet, but Democratic candidate Nathan Johnson leads state Sen. Mayes Middleton, according to the Associated Press.
Comptroller
At the time of publication, state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, leads Republican Don Huffines in the race for Texas Comptroller, according to the Associated Press.
Railroad commissioner
State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, leads the polls for Texas Railroad Commissioner against Republican Bo French at the time of publication, according to the Associated Press. The race has not been called yet.
HD 49
Democrat Montesserat Garibay has a significant lead over Green Party candidate Arshia Papari in the race for Texas House District 49 at the time of publication, according to the Associated Press.
District 9
Zohaib “Zo” Qadri is ahead in the polls to serve as UT and West Campus’ Austin City Council Representative for the next four years. Qadri ran for District 9 Representative and campaigned against Rich Heyman, Katie Kam, Dave Thadani and Kai Huang. The race has not been called yet.
