James Talarico becomes first Democrat to win Texas Senate seat since 1988

What the report says

Democrat James Talarico has won a closely watched U.S. Senate race in Texas, the BBC reported, defeating Republican Ken Paxton in what it described as a major upset and the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1988. Talarico, a former schoolteacher and Texas state legislator, centered his campaign on the rising cost of living and used a message aimed at voters frustrated with Republican leadership.

The BBC said the race became the most expensive Senate contest in U.S. history, with more than half a billion dollars spent. It reported that Elon Musk contributed $158 million to a super PAC supporting Paxton, while members of the Bush family backed Talarico in a notable cross-party move. Paxton, a prominent and controversial Republican figure, had also campaigned with Donald Trump, who made several stops in Texas to support Republicans.

Talarico celebrated the result at a watch party in Austin, telling supporters they had "taken back Texas," according to the BBC. The report said his win helped Democrats secure a broader wave of victories across the country and full control of Congress. Political science professor Quardricos Driskell told the BBC that the outcome, along with another Democratic upset in Texas, showed voters wanted a different direction. As with all election reporting, the longer-term impact will depend on final certification and post-election developments.