U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz defeated Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke in the race for U.S. Senate. View full 2018 Texas election results or subscribe to The Brief for the latest election news.More in this series

With all eyes on the U.S. Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke, Texas Tribune photographers fanned out across the state to find out who voters were choosing in this key race and why. Here’s what a few Texans had to say about their 2018 midterm election votes.

Tony Rodriguez, 58, voted for O’Rourke. “Naturally, [Beto’s] from El Paso, so usually El Pasoans stick together,” Rodriguez said. “I travel all over the U.S. and I see how divided the country has gotten ... I feel more that Beto can get Texas united.
Tony Rodriguez, 58, voted for O’Rourke. “Naturally, [Beto’s] from El Paso, so usually El Pasoans stick together,” Rodriguez said. “I travel all over the U.S. and I see how divided the country has gotten … I feel more that Beto can get Texas united.”
Ketchum Ivory, 62, said it felt good to get his vote “over with” today — he says he voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and “thinks” he voted for Ted Cruz in this year’s race for U.S. Senate.
Ketchum Ivory, 62, said it felt good to get his vote “over with” today — he says he voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and “thinks” he voted for Ted Cruz in this year’s race for U.S. Senate.
Antonio Alanis, 19, says he “voted for Beto because I'm Hispanic, because they are holding kids hostage at the border. Immigration is the most important issue for me.
Antonio Alanis, 19, says he “voted for Beto because I’m Hispanic, because they are holding kids hostage at the border. Immigration is the most important issue for me.”
Shafaq Shahami, 39, voted for Republicans in the 2018 midterms. “It’s my duty to vote here, using my rights to make a difference,” Shahami said.
Shafaq Shahami, 39, voted for Republicans in the 2018 midterms. “It’s my duty to vote here, using my rights to make a difference,” Shahami said.
Charles Reliford Sr., 74, said (with a laugh):
Charles Reliford Sr., 74, said (with a laugh): “I’m voting all Democrat, because I’m just a Democrat.”
Diane Harris, 68, says she voted for Libertarian Neal Dikeman in the race for U.S. Senate. “The biggest issue is the rights of people, plus keeping us safe,” Harris said
Diane Harris, 68, says she voted for Libertarian Neal Dikeman in the race for U.S. Senate. “The biggest issue is the rights of people, plus keeping us safe,” Harris said
Carlos, 39, who declined to give his last name, voted O’Rourke. “People keep talking about the migrant caravan,” he said. “People here are worried about them coming to take away their jobs, but how many people want to work for just a few dollars an hour?”
Carlos, 39, who declined to give his last name, voted O’Rourke. “People keep talking about the migrant caravan,” he said. “People here are worried about them coming to take away their jobs, but how many people want to work for just a few dollars an hour?”
Karen Holland, 60, and daughter Elizabeth Ferreira, 31, both voted for Ted Cruz. “I have a problem with open borders,” Holland said. “I want somebody who believes in the laws that we have and wants them enforced.”
Karen Holland, 60, and daughter Elizabeth Ferreira, 31, both voted for Ted Cruz. “I have a problem with open borders,” Holland said. “I want somebody who believes in the laws that we have and wants them enforced.”

 Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Amanda Zamora led audience growth and engagement efforts at The Texas Tribune, where she worked from 2016 to 2019. A native Texan, Amanda spent 13 years on the East Coast working for news organizations...