Democrats Seize Texas Senate and House Control in Historic Midterm Shift

Key points

• CBS News projects Democrats will gain control of the U.S. House, granting them subpoena and investigative powers for President Trump’s final two years.
• The Texas Senate race is rated a likely Democratic win for James Talarico over Ken Paxton; a Democrat has not held the seat since 1988.
• The Texas governor’s race is currently a toss-up, with Democrat Gina Hinojosa leading incumbent Greg Abbott despite a massive ad spending disparity.
• Democrats won projected victories in Texas’s 30th and 33rd Congressional Districts, defeating Republican opponents Everett Jackson and Patrick Gillespie respectively.
• Collin County voters rejected Proposition A, which would have raised taxes to fund a $700 million Dallas Stars arena, with 61.57% voting no.

Background

Prior to the election, analysts noted that economic anxiety and redistricting were key factors in potential upsets. In late October, polling suggested Republicans might lose the House, and former Representative Liz Cheney predicted a Democratic flip. The Texas Senate race was described as the most expensive non-presidential contest in history, with over $544 million spent on ads. Recent reports indicated that vote counting in slow-counting states might delay final results, but early returns in Texas showed a strong Democratic trend.

Why it matters

A Democratic victory in the Texas Senate would break a 38-year Republican streak and potentially shift control of the U.S. Senate. Gaining the House would allow Democrats to investigate the administration, directly challenging President Trump, who has vowed to use veto power against Democratic legislation. The outcome signals a major realignment in a traditionally red state, driven by concerns over cost of living and immigration.

What to watch

Final results for the Texas governor’s race and other close contests may take days to confirm as mail-in ballots are counted. The Senate race between Talarico and Paxton may remain undecided until all votes are tallied, potentially determining overall Senate control. Democrats will begin organizing for legislative battles if they secure the House majority.