James Talarico wins Texas Senate seat in historic Democratic victory

Democrat James Talarico has won the US Senate race in Texas, according to projections by NBC News, in a result that breaks a decades-long Republican hold on statewide office.

Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988, and the first Democrat to win a statewide election in Texas since 1994. In his victory speech in Austin, Talarico drew on the biblical story of David and Goliath, telling supporters: "The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world, and the entire Washington political elite were against us. But the people of Texas were my sling, and tonight we defeated Goliath."

The reference was widely seen as aimed at billionaire Elon Musk, who media reports say invested more than $200 million in political funds supporting Republican candidates this cycle. Talarico also said that "all the money in the world cannot face the people of Texas," and that power belongs to the people.

Meanwhile, partial results across the United States indicate that Democrats have taken control of Congress. President Donald Trump, in a live broadcast on Politico, said he would work with Democrats and would not hesitate to use his veto power. "We will work with the Democrats," Trump said, according to CBS News, adding that he would tell reporters in a year how the Democratic control changes his presidency. He also said he would use a "strong" veto when necessary.

Earlier on his Truth Social network, Trump attributed the election results to the fact that he was not on the ballot, but he did not contest the legitimacy of the results. The president said he would consider doing what is good and appropriate for the country.

The results mark a significant shift in American politics, with Democrats scoring victories in traditionally Republican states. Analysts described the Texas result as "absolutely historic," according to Sky News.