The self-styled “conservative Democrat” recaptured the 15th Congressional District four years after it flipped red, a blow to Republicans who tried to draw themselves more seats in the Rio Grande Valley.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa topples Greg Abbott to become first Latina governor of Texas
Hinojosa’s victory over Abbott, a three-term incumbent, triggers a political earthquake in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the governor’s mansion since 1990.
Clayton Tucker becomes first Democratic agriculture commissioner in nearly 40 years
Tucker will usher in a new era for the agriculture department as the agency’s first Democratic commissioner since Jim Hightower in 1990.
Democrat Vikki Goodwin declares victory over Dan Patrick to become Texas lieutenant governor
The race became unexpectedly close in the final weeks of the cycle, with the incumbent naming his opponent and releasing attack ads unlike in his previous contests.
Sarah Eckhardt unseats GOP Comptroller Don Huffines in historic victory for Democrats
Sarah Eckhardt won the Texas comptroller race on Election Day, becoming the first Democrat in decades to oversee state revenue forecasts, tax collections and government purchasing.
Jon Rosenthal wins Texas Railroad Commission race, the first Dem to hold the role in 32 years
Rosenthal defeated Bo French in a race that drew national attention for French’s racist remarks. The position regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry.
In major upset, Nathan Johnson takes Texas attorney general’s office for Democrats
Johnson beat Mayes Middleton to become the first Democrat to lead the powerful state agency in almost 30 years.
James Talarico defeats Ken Paxton, giving Democrats their first U.S. Senate win in Texas since 1988
The Austin state lawmaker ran on a message that America’s true fault line is between not the left and the right, but the wealthy and everyone else. He had not yet been born when Texas last elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate.
South Texas congressional Democrats Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar glide to reelection
Ahead of the 2026 election, Texas Republicans redrew congressional boundaries in a gambit to help the GOP keep control of Congress.
Talarico, Hinojosa usher in new era as Texas Democrats oust several top Republicans
Texas Tribune reporters provide live updates as Democrats stun Republicans, taking several statewide offices for the first time in decades.



