Democrat James Talarico declared “we defeated Goliath” after capturing a US Senate seat in Texas, a result that delivered a historic jolt to Republican power in the state.
Mr Talarico, a former schoolteacher, beat Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close ally of President Donald Trump whose campaign drew heavy support from tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The outcome amounted to a significant setback for Mr Trump, who had made Texas a priority and publicly backed Mr Paxton.
“In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths.
“The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world, and the entire Washington, DC establishment,” Mr Talarico told supporters at a victory rally in Austin, the Texas capital.
In a separate political shock for the deeply conservative southern border state, Democrat Gina Hinojosa ousted incumbent Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated incumbent Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Mr Talarico and Ms Hinojosa are the first Democrats to win statewide office in Texas since 1994.
“It’s a huge win for Texas, but it’s a giant win for the United States, having James Talarico in the Senate to try to wrest control of this government that’s out of control,” said Kathy Jackoway, an Austin resident in her 60s, who shouted and cried as the results were announced.
“Everybody is suffering. Everybody is hurting, and Trump is busy building monuments to himself.”
Follow live updates as Democrats set to take full control of US Congress
Anisha, 29, said she wanted to see the two Democrats govern “for everyone, not just the billionaires, not just the elite.”
The twin Democratic wins could hint at a broader shift in Texas politics. As the nation’s second most populous state with 40 electoral votes, Texas turning more competitive would have major implications for national elections and could alter the electoral map in future contests.
The results also marked a stinging defeat for Elon Musk. Federal filings show the tech multi-billionaire spent more than $200 million backing Mr Talarico’s opponent. Mr Musk, the world’s richest man, has relocated the headquarters of Tesla, SpaceX and X to Texas and has expanded his business interests across the state.
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