Republicans lose ground in rural Texas counties in 2026 elections

Who's involved

• James Talaricostate Rep., Democratic U.S. Senate candidate
• Clayton TuckerDemocratic agriculture department candidate
• Beto O'RourkeDemocratic candidate in 2018
• Sid Milleroutgoing Republican agriculture commissioner
• Drew Landrypolitical science professor at South Plains College

The facts

• James Talarico became the first Democrat to win a Texas U.S. Senate seat since 1988.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Clayton Tucker became the first Democrat to lead the state agriculture department since 1990.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Roughly 90% of counties that saw decreased voter turnout were rural.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Urban voters increased turnout by nearly 8 points since 2022; rural voters by about 1.4 points.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Talarico closed the gap with Republican voters in rural counties by about 10 points since 2018.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Talarico outperformed Beto O'Rourke's 2018 margin in exurban counties by about 15 points.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Voting participation increased along the southern border and in the Panhandle.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Sid Miller lost the Republican primary for agriculture commissioner in March 2026.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Drew Landry, political science professor Republicans cannot take rural Texas for granted; they did not want to talk about big issues and paid the price.^{1 2}
• Guessippina Bonner, former Lufkin City Council member People would respond if Democratic leaders came and asked if constituents were doing alright.^{1 2}