By O. Henry Swartzentruber
They say everything is bigger in Texas. The Lone Star state has long been the Republican Party’s fortress, a state whose size, economic strength and conservative identity made Democratic hopes seem far fetched. Then 2026, and waves are bigger in Texas too. James Talarico’s victory over Ken Paxton (R) in the U.S. Senate race and Democrat governor elect Gina Hinojosa’s defeat of Gov. Greg Abbott (R) mark a major change in officeholders. Even in Texas, this shows the limits of taking voters for granted.
The results are not exactly an ideological conversion in the second biggest state. Texas remains diverse in its interests with a cowboy attitude. Voters can hold traditional values, yet be unwilling to overlook competence in government. In fact, they are completely reasonable in their unwillingness to accept perceived incompetence. I seriously could not believe that the GOP candidate Ken Paxton was Mr. Trump's pick over incumbent senator and former judge, John Cornyn, a long time leader in the Senate.
Mr. Paxton had faced impeachment by a Republican-controlled Texas State House, repeat, public infidelity and recent divorce from his long-time wife, yet Trump endorsed him over Cornyn. What followed was the most expensive US Senate race in history, with estimates over $500 million. Elon Musk reportedly spent over $150million on this race alone. And for what? Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk, you think voters should overlook all of this?
Everyone wants basic, responsible government and elected officials. They want to live their lives and have hope for the future. I will be relieved that my GOP - the party who used to be in favor of personal responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit, small business and small government, individual freedom, restraint within governance, and firm commitment to western Christian ideals and ethics - that they must undertake a soul searching expedition. And quickly.
In my view, Democrats should resist interpreting these victories as a blank check for socialist, ideological laundry lists. Their opportunity lies in demonstrating their coalition can govern well, not merely defeat foolish opponents. Republicans face a reckoning and the beginning of the end of the Trump era starts this week.
Texas has not abandoned traditional ideas, but rejected the assumption one party owns it. Perceived "loyalty" is no substitute for leadership. Listen, dust yourself off, and get back to the basics, my friends.