AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) — Following a historic midterm shift in Texas politics, Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz called the 2026 election results a “Watergate-level repudiation” for the GOP after Democrat James Talarico secured a decisive victory in the U.S. Senate race.
According to reporting from CBS Texas, Talarico’s win over Republican candidate Ken Paxton flips the seat previously held by retiring Sen. John Cornyn, leaving Cruz as the sole remaining statewide elected Republican in Texas.
Cruz acknowledged the outcome in an extensive social media post Wednesday evening, sharing that he reached out to congratulate Senator-elect Talarico and discussed working together on behalf of the state. Cruz openly reckoned with the dramatic political shift, writing:
“Texas is blue. That is a hard sentence to utter. But Texas, today at least, is blue. As we sit here today, I am the only statewide elected Republican who remains in Texas. That’s not something I ever thought I would say.”
Cruz also pointed to federal policies as a driving factor behind the party’s losses, breaking with the administration by adding, “Tariffs have made everything too expensive, and the Iran war has dragged on too long.”
Despite the sweeping setbacks, Cruz insisted the political landscape would not stay blue for long, pledging to rebuild and offering a fiery defense of the state’s electorate:
“But hear me now: we will bring Texas back. I am filled with hope and optimism. Texas will be red again. We have not suddenly become a bunch of tofu-eating, gun-banning, tutu-wearing pinko commie liberals. That ain’t us. Texas is still Texas.”
Cornyn congratulated his successor, stating, “The voters have spoken, and I want to extend my congratulations to James Talarico on his election to the U.S. Senate. I look forward to meeting him and offering my assistance with his transition as he prepares to serve Texans in the U.S. Senate.” Paxton also offered prayers and congratulations during a speech Tuesday night.
Speaking on CBS Mornings Wednesday, Talarico framed his victory as a mandate for political reform, citing pushback against mega-donors after Elon Musk poured an estimated $150 million into boosting Paxton’s campaign.
“This was about Texans across the political spectrum demanding change,” Talarico told CBS News, emphasizing plans to target campaign finance reform. “The power in this state, in this country, belongs to the people and we’ve got to make sure it stays that way.”
CBS Texas’ Article
