AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Democrats swept every statewide office on the 2026 ballot and defeated Republican incumbents in closely watched appellate-court contests, producing the broadest change in state leadership in more than three decades.
The results reported Wednesday were unofficial and remained subject to county canvasses, recount requests and state certification. Most statewide margins were between five and eight percentage points, making the overall pattern clear even as election administrators completed their work.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican Gov. Greg Abbott with about 52.9% of the vote to Abbott’s 45.6%, according to unofficial returns cited by The Center Square. Hinojosa will become the first Hispanic woman elected governor of Texas.
In the lieutenant governor’s race, Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, roughly 51.5% to 45.5%. Abbott and Patrick had each held their offices for 12 years.
Democrats also captured the elected offices that lead major state agencies. State Sen. Nathan Johnson defeated Republican Mayes Middleton for attorney general, while state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt beat Republican Don Huffines for comptroller.
Benjamin Flores defeated Republican Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham. Clayton Tucker won the agriculture commissioner’s race, and state Sen. Jon Rosenthal defeated Republican Bo French for a seat on the Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry rather than railroads.
The judicial results will change the balance of several courts that decide major questions involving elections, business, criminal law, abortion, energy regulation and the authority of state agencies.
Democratic candidates defeated four Republican incumbents on the Texas Supreme Court. Maggie Ellis beat Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, Chari Kelly defeated James Sullivan, Kristen Hawkins defeated Kyle Hawkins and Gisela Triana defeated Brett Busby, according to unofficial returns.
The four victories would leave Republicans with a 5-4 majority on the nine-member civil court rather than the unanimous Republican court in place before the election. The new justices will join five Republican members whose seats were not on the ballot this year.
Democrats also won all three contests for the 15th Court of Appeals, a statewide court created to hear cases involving state agencies and certain business disputes. Jerry Zimmerer, Tom Baker and Marc Meyer defeated the court’s Republican incumbents.
On the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Democratic candidates won the three seats on the ballot. Okey Anyiam won the open Place 3 race, Audra Riley defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yar for Place 4, and Holly Taylor won the open Place 9 contest.
Judicial elections are partisan in Texas, but judges are required to decide cases under the law rather than a party platform. Campaigns often focus on legal experience, judicial philosophy and decisions made by the court.
The statewide sweep coincided with Democratic gains in the Texas House and State Board of Education. Republicans retained control of the Texas Senate, creating divided government even as Democrats gained the governor’s office and numerous executive positions.
The new officials will take office after results are certified and the constitutional terms begin. Transitions at large agencies such as the attorney general’s office, comptroller and General Land Office will involve personnel, pending litigation, contracts and budget planning that continue beyond Election Day.
Source: The Center Square, published Nov. 4, 2026. Additional verification: unofficial Texas Secretary of State election returns and Texas Tribune statewide election coverage.
