Hinojosa and Talarico win Texas races, ending Republican streak

AUSTIN, Texas. Democratic candidates Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico won their respective races in Texas on Tuesday, ending a streak of Republican control that had lasted for more than three decades. Hinojosa defeated her opponents to become the next governor, while Talarico secured a seat in the United States Senate by defeating Ken Paxton.

The political shift alters the leadership structure in a state with a large Latino population. Hinojosa will become the first Latina woman to serve as governor of Texas. She is also the first Democrat to hold the office since Ann Richards, whose term ended in 1995. Talarico will be the first Democrat to represent Texas in the federal Senate since 1993.

Both candidates campaigned on platforms that questioned aspects of the state’s current immigration policies. Hinojosa focused on the state budget and border security spending during the administration of Governor Greg Abbott. Talarico presented a detailed immigration agenda on his campaign platform.

During her campaign, Hinojosa criticized the state’s use of public funds for border security. She specifically addressed the costs associated with judicial processes against immigrants for property trespassing. In an interview with ENOUGH, Hinojosa was asked if she would reduce the billions of dollars currently allocated to border operations. She did not promise to eliminate the budget or specify a precise amount for cuts.

“Public safety should not be a political spectacle,” Hinojosa said in that interview. She stated that she would allocate the resources necessary to keep communities safe. She added that her decisions would be guided by results rather than political action. Hinojosa also recalled her work during the Biden administration to reach a diplomatic solution regarding the closure of an international bridge and border crossings.

Talarico’s platform proposes comprehensive immigration reform. He advocates for pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for extended periods. This includes specific groups such as spouses of citizens and beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. His plan also calls for changes in Immigration and Customs Enforcement priorities, focusing resources on criminals, gang members, and human traffickers rather than small business owners and families.

The senator-elect proposes prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks or refusing to show identification. He also seeks to hold agents accountable when they violate the law. Talarico plans to reform the asylum system by hiring more immigration judges to reduce the backlog of applications. He also proposes labor programs for the housing construction and agriculture sectors. Additionally, he supports hiring more Border Patrol agents, fighting cartels, and modernizing ports of entry.

Talarico clarified that he does not propose eliminating ICE as an institution. In an interview in October 2026, he explained that the agency is necessary but criticized its practices under the administration of President Donald Trump. He stated that the United States must protect the border without closing legal migration routes.

In her victory speech, Hinojosa described the results as a mandate for change. She promised to govern for all residents of Texas, regardless of party affiliation. She referenced her roots in the Rio Grande Valley and the words of her grandmother: “Do not let yourself be left behind.” Her speech addressed public education, corruption, and economic interests, but did not announce specific changes to immigration policies or ICE operations.

Talarico declared in his victory speech, “We just took back Texas.” He stated that the money invested by his opponents could not override the will of the citizens. Hinojosa is scheduled to assume the office of governor in January 2027. Talarico will join the U.S. Senate at the start of the next congressional session.