US MIDTERMS: DEMOCRAT TALARICO FLIPS TEXAS SENATE SEAT

Democrat James Talarico has been projected to win the US Senate election in Texas, defeating Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in a significant setback for President Donald Trump’s party.

Talarico’s victory flips the seat held by outgoing Republican Senator John Cornyn and makes him the first Democrat to win a statewide election in Texas since 1994.

Paxton entered the race with strong support from Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Talarico countered heavy Republican spending with grassroots fundraising and support from urban voters.

Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Austin, Talarico described the result as a triumph over powerful political and financial interests.

“We defeated Goliath,” he said.

“In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths: the richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world, and the entire Washington, DC, establishment.”

He added that the outcome demonstrated that “power belongs to the people.”

Cornyn congratulated Talarico and offered to help with the transition.

The projected victory was among Democratic gains reshaping the balance of power in the Senate.