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Texas went so blue Talarico got more early votes than Paxton got in total
The Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas with over 5.4 million votes, surpassing Paxton's total of approximately 4.25 million votes amid a significant Democratic surge in traditionally Republican states.
- Talarico received nearly 150,000 more early votes than Paxton's entire vote count, reflecting a record-breaking 7.7 million early voters in Texas during the midterms, part of a nationwide trend of increased early and mail-in voting.
- Despite former President Trump's multiple campaign visits and encouragement for early voting, Paxton's support was hindered by low approval ratings, impeachment proceedings, and negative public perception.
- Paxton faced impeachment in 2023 over allegations of abusing his office to benefit a donor, though he was acquitted by the Texas Senate; his job approval rating declined significantly leading up to the election.
- Democrat Gina Hinojosa also won the Texas governor's race, becoming the first Democrat and first Latina to hold the office in over 30 years, marking a historic political shift in the state.
