Ted Cruz becomes last Republican holding statewide office in Texas after Democratic sweep

Senator Ted Cruz will become the only Republican holding statewide elected office in Texas after Democrats swept every statewide race on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections. Cruz, who was not up for reelection, called the results a "blue tsunami" that shifted control of Congress and Texas' executive branch. Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton for the state's other Senate seat, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Texas since 1988. Democrat Gina Hinojosa beat incumbent Greg Abbott for governor, becoming the first Latina governor in state history, while Democrats also won the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other statewide offices. Cruz attributed the losses to Republican failures to address cost-of-living concerns tied to tariffs and the Iran war, but vowed to "defend Texas" against what he called "newly elected radicals." He expressed optimism that Texas would return to Republican control, saying "Texas will be red again."