As the dust settles over a historic midterm election, statewide control in Texas remains firmly in the grip of Republicans. Here are some of the major headlines of what happened.
Abbott and Company Cruised to Re-Election
Polls showed that the race between O’Rourke and Abbott was close. By Tuesday evening, Abbott was leading by double digits. The other statewide races remained similar.
Hidalgo Secures a New Term
Despite several Republican megadonors pouring in major dollars to her opponent, Lina Hidalgo survived a potential upset. Alexandra Del Moral Mealer conceded Wednesday morning.
A Mixed Bag in South Texas
Political newcomer Michelle Vallejo put up a spirited fight in TX-15, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Monica De La Cruz. In nearby races, Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar beat their opponents and will head back to Washington.
History Made
For the first time, Texas will have Muslim state representatives in Austin. Former mayor pro tem of Euless, Salman Bhojani and Dr. Suleman Lalani of Fort Bend County won their elections and will be the first Muslims to serve in the Texas legislature next year.
Tarrant County Trends Back Red
Joe Biden narrowly carried this Republican mainstay in 2020 (as did Beto O’Rourke in 2018), but this year Abbott won by nearly four points. In the County Judge race, Tim O’Hare won with about 53 per cent of the vote against former Tarrant County Democratic Party Chair Deborah Race. In the District Attorney’s race, Republican Phil Sorrells won.
Democrats In Control In Dallas
Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot and County Judge Clay Jenkins easily won their re-elections. The lone Republican on the Commissioner’s Court, J.J. Koch has appeared to have lost his seat to attorney Andrew Sommerman.
Democrat Wins In Collin County
In the open House District 70 race in Collin County, Democrat Mihaela Plesa won. This race was considered a toss-up in a county just north of Dallas.
