Ken Paxton defeated, Talarico becomes first Democrat to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate in more than 30 years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2026
Contact:
Andrew Freeman, [email protected], 512-746-8404
AUSTIN, Texas – Texans turned out in historic numbers to elect James Talarico as the state’s next U.S. Senator, defeating Republican opponent Ken Paxton with 55% of the vote.
Running on a platform of affordability, public education and religious freedom, Talarico’s victory is a win for every single Texan, of faith or no faith at all.
“For too long, Texas politicians have gotten away with blatant attacks on the religious liberties of families in their communities and schools,” said Felicia Martin, Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network. “James Talarico will be a champion of those freedoms, and will ensure the great diversity of Texas is both protected and celebrated. He understands no single faith should be used to guide public policy.”
Talarico is a Christian and Presbyterian seminarian who is studying to become a pastor. He’s been a close ally of Texas Freedom Network for years, and the nonprofit even recognized him as an honoree for his work in the Texas Lege just a couple of years ago.
In the U.S. Senate, he hopes to pass the Do Not Harm Act to prevent religious discrimination, and wants to address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other faith-based hate crimes. He also has said he rejects policies that force religion into neutral public spaces like schools, prisons, courts, and the military.
With his victory, and other sweeping Democratic wins across the country, Democrats have taken the U.S. Senate and are also projected to take back the House.
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The Texas Freedom Network is a grassroots organization of religious and community leaders and young Texans building an informed and effective movement for equality and social justice.
