Dallas County shifts left in 2026

Dallas County voters moved sharply toward the Democratic Party in the November 2026 general election.

James Talarcio won the Texas Senate seat, defeating Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. This victory marks the first time a Democrat has held the office since 1988. Talarcio is also the first Democrat to win a statewide office in Texas since 1994.

The shift in Dallas County was part of a wider state trend. Associated Press data shows that voters in the middle of the political spectrum swung left by about 30 points between the 2024 presidential election and the 2026 midterms. Moderate Republicans shifted by a similar margin.

Talarcio’s win was supported by large margins in areas with high Latino populations. He also received strong support in major cities including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. Tarrant County, which includes Fort Worth, saw a swing to Democrats of nearly 30 points over the two-year period.

The gubernatorial race followed a similar path. State Representative Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term incumbent Greg Abbott. Hinojosa became the first Latina woman and the first Democratic governor since Ann Richards, who served from 1991 to 1995. Her victory was driven by large margins in South Texas, her home region.

The election results were certified on November 3, 2026. Talarcio celebrated his win at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin. Hinojosa addressed supporters at Assembly Hall in Austin later that evening.

The new administration begins its term following the certification of these results. The Democratic Party now holds the governor’s office and the U.S. Senate seat previously held by a Republican.