Hardaway Wins Texas House District 71
Republican Jay Hardaway is projected to win Texas House District 71 with 73.7% of the vote, helping shift the chamber toward Democratic control.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Elections
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Jay Hardaway is the projected winner of Texas House District 71, defeating Democratic candidate Diana Luna with 73.7% of the vote after 99% of ballots were reported. The result comes as the Texas House is projected to come under Democratic control for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Why it matters
The projected shift would mark the first Democratic control of the Texas House in nearly a quarter century, changing the balance of power in the state's lower chamber. Hardaway's win contributes to that outcome in a district he is scheduled to represent when the 90th Texas Legislature convenes.
Hardaway received 73.7% of the vote with 99% of ballots reported, defeating Democratic candidate Diana Luna in House District 71. The remaining 1% of votes and any post-projection changes are not addressed in the reporting.
The players
Jay Hardaway
Jay Hardaway is a Republican candidate who won the Texas House District 71 seat in the 2026 election.
Diana Luna
Diana Luna is the Democratic candidate who lost to Jay Hardaway in the race for Texas House District 71.
The details
Hardaway said he would approach legislation on an issue-by-issue basis once he takes office. He is scheduled to be sworn in January 12, 2027, at the start of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Election held and projection made for Texas House District 71.
January 12, 2027: Hardaway scheduled to take office at the start of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Political Context
The projected result would break the nearly 25-year period in which Republicans have controlled the Texas House, a departure from recent state legislative history. The outcome is reported as a shift toward Democratic control of the chamber for the first time since that era.
Hardaway's seat gives District 71 representation in the 90th Texas Legislature beginning January 2027. The projected shift in House control could affect which bills advance in the chamber.
The takeaway
A single district result can shift control of an entire legislative chamber, so tracking final certified counts and the new legislative session agenda will show how the change plays out.
What happens next
Hardaway is scheduled to take office January 12, 2027, at the start of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Further reading
Explore more in Elections coverage for Texas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTXS.
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