NBC News projects Talarico will advance to the general election, while Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton compete in a Republican primary runoff.
For local (Texas) politics, it is possible that a Texas Senate seat is in play for Democrats. This could be big as a lot of more local seats can ride the coattails of the Senate election.
For national politics, one of two things can happen.
First, Democrats being competitive in Texas state politics is a big deal. This is the nightmare scenario that got Republicans to court the Hispanic vote in 2012. It will make national races much harder to win and could lead to a generational loss for Republicans, especially as new Democrats throw out their aging leadership.
Second, this is the biggest race this election for the soul of the Republican Party. The incumbent is a traditional Republican while the challenger is far more MAGA. The Senate has been the last refuge of pre Trump Republicans in national politics. This race is a signal if that last refuge is safe.
For local (Texas) politics, it is possible that a Texas Senate seat is in play for Democrats. This could be big as a lot of more local seats can ride the coattails of the Senate election.
For national politics, one of two things can happen.
First, Democrats being competitive in Texas state politics is a big deal. This is the nightmare scenario that got Republicans to court the Hispanic vote in 2012. It will make national races much harder to win and could lead to a generational loss for Republicans, especially as new Democrats throw out their aging leadership.
Second, this is the biggest race this election for the soul of the Republican Party. The incumbent is a traditional Republican while the challenger is far more MAGA. The Senate has been the last refuge of pre Trump Republicans in national politics. This race is a signal if that last refuge is safe.