04.11.2026 07:20
In the US midterm elections, Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, achieving a first after 32 years. According to Decision Desk HQ's projection, Talarico became the first Democrat to represent the state in the Senate since 1994. Despite Elon Musk spending approximately $200 million on the campaign of Trump-backed Paxton, the result was considered a notable loss for Republicans.
In the midterm elections held in the US on November 3, a striking result came from the state of Texas. According to Decision Desk HQ's projection, Democratic Party candidate James Talarico defeated Republican Party candidate and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to win the Senate race.
With Talarico's victory, Democrats earned the right to represent Texas in the US Senate for the first time since 1994. Talarico, who serves in the state legislature and has studied theology, faced Paxton, who comes from the conservative wing of the Republican Party, in the election race.
Paxton, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, was among figures known especially for his anti-abortion policies.
MASCULINITY DEBATE IN THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN
In the election campaign described as the most expensive Senate race in Texas history, debates over masculinity and gender identity, as well as the candidates' policies, also came to the fore.
In statements targeting his Democratic rival, Paxton used the phrase "low-T," implying that Talarico had low testosterone levels.
Stephen Miller, one of Trump's senior advisers and Deputy White House Chief of Staff, described Talarico as the "first trans Senate candidate." However, Talarico is not a transgender individual.
In Republican circles, false claims were also made that Talarico is vegan. These claims became part of the debates over masculinity throughout the campaign.
TARGETED WITH AI ADS
In Paxton's election campaign, Talarico's past support for the rights of transgender individuals was also frequently brought up.
The Republican candidate's campaign team highlighted Talarico's 2021 statement that "God is not bound by binary gender categories" through AI-supported ads broadcast across the state.
In the ads, Talarico's past statements on gender identity and his political stance were targeted.
HE CHANGED HIS POSITION ON TRANS ATHLETES AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
Talarico changed his previous views on some rights of transgender individuals during the election campaign.
In a statement to Fox News, he said he would oppose transgender students participating in girls' sports competitions if it jeopardized safety or fair competition.
Talarico also softened his previous position on health services for transgender children. He stated that he would support a national law banning gender-affirming surgeries for children.
It was stated that such surgeries are performed quite rarely in children.
HE HIGHLIGHTED HIS RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN THE ABORTION DEBATE
While Talarico focused mainly on the cost of living and corruption issues in the election campaign, he also highlighted his religious background on controversial topics such as LGBTQ+ rights and abortion.
Speaking about abortion at an event organized by CNN in October, Talarico noted that both he and his rival are Christian and argued that the Bible does not contain a direct ruling on abortion.
Talarico, stating that different conclusions can be reached based on different religious texts, said common action could be taken to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions. He emphasized that the issue should be treated as a public health matter rather than a culture war.
HUGE SUPPORT FROM ELON MUSK TO THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
In the final weeks of the election race, the financial support provided by billionaire businessman Elon Musk to Republican candidate Ken Paxton's campaign drew attention.
It was reported that Musk, among the world's wealthiest people, spent approximately 200 million dollars to ensure Republicans retained the Senate seat in Texas.
However, according to Decision Desk HQ's election projection, Democratic candidate James Talarico won the race. Thus, a historic change occurred in the Republican Senate dominance in Texas that had continued for many years.