Gina Hinojosa captures governor’s mansion for Democrats in first since 1995, Talarico first Democratic U.S. Senator since 1993
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2026
Contact:
Andrew Freeman, [email protected], 512-746-8404
AUSTIN, Texas – Election Day numbers are still being tallied, but more than 7.7 million Texans voted early during the 2026 midterms in a historic referendum that delivered victory to a slate of Democratic candidates.
Gina Hinojosa defeated 12-year Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Vikki Goodwin defeated Dan Patrick for Lieutenant Governor and James Talarico won by a wide margin in the U.S. Senate Race. The entire statewide ticket favored Democrats, including other expected wins by Sarah Eckhart for Texas Comptroller (endorsed by Texas Freedom Network) and Jon Rosenthal for Railroad Commissioner.
The State Board of Education, a Republican supermajority, is also expected to see several Democratic victories, including TFN-endorsed candidate Thomas Ray Garcia.
“For decades, we’ve been told we can’t win Texas, but that was never true. In particular, young and Latino voters turned out in historic numbers to make their voices heard,” said Felicia Martin, Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network. “Now the real work begins. We must ensure that 2027 is about progress, and promises are delivered to the working class voters who made these victories happen.”
An AP Voter Poll found 7 in 10 voters under 30 nationally say they supported the Democratic candidate in their local U.S. House race, and about 6 in 10 Hispanic voters.
In Texas, Hinojosa will be tasked with working alongside a newly divided House, and a Senate still under Republican control.
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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.
