Texas Turns Blue in 2026 Midterm Elections
DNC Chair Ken Martin outlines the national party's plan to expand Democratic gains and keep Texas competitive.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Elections
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Texas shifted from red to blue in the 2026 midterm elections, skipping purple, according to the Democratic National Committee. DNC Chair Ken Martin explained the party's strategy to build on those gains and keep Texas blue.
Why it matters
The shift reflects Democratic investment in state and county parties and growing support from Texas Latino voters, particularly in South Texas. Democrats now face the task of delivering on affordability and accountability promises to keep the coalition intact for Texas voters.
Democrats won Texas Senate District 9 in both a January 2026 special election and the November 3, 2026 general election, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss each time. Gina Hinojosa was elected governor, becoming the first Latina to hold the office in Texas history.
The players
Ken Martin
Ken Martin is the chair of the Democratic National Committee, the national governing body of the Democratic Party, and previously served as the party's leader in Minnesota.
Taylor Rehmet
Taylor Rehmet is a Democrat who represents Texas Senate District 9 in Tarrant County after winning a special election and then a full term in 2026.
Gina Hinojosa
Gina Hinojosa is a Texas Democrat from the Rio Grande Valley who was elected governor in 2026, becoming the state's first Latina governor.
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott is the Republican governor of Texas, whose redistricting effort Ken Martin described as backfiring on Republicans.
The details
Ken Martin, who became DNC chair in February 2025, said the party sends resources to state and county parties every month under its 50-state approach. He said he has visited Texas at least eight to 10 times over the past year and a half, and he pointed to Governor Greg Abbott's redistricting push as having backfired on Republicans.
Timeline
February 2025: Ken Martin became DNC chair and began directing resources to state parties.
January 2026: Taylor Rehmet won the Texas Senate District 9 special election over Leigh Wambsganss.
November 3, 2026: Taylor Rehmet won reelection to Texas Senate District 9 over Leigh Wambsganss.
Political Context
The Democratic Party's 50-state strategy, which funnels monthly resources to state and county organizations, is being tested in Texas, a state Republicans have held for decades. Republican critics have argued that redistricting and turnout trends would keep the state competitive for the GOP, a position the 2026 results call into question.
Texas voters now have a state government and congressional delegation shaped by the 2026 results, which could affect policy on affordability and state-level accountability. Residents who want to follow how these changes take effect can track state legislative sessions and local party activity.
The takeaway
Election results often hinge on sustained organizing rather than single campaign cycles, and the Texas outcome shows how party investment in local infrastructure can shift long-held political patterns. Voters interested in how these changes play out should watch upcoming state policy decisions on the economic issues that drove turnout.
Further reading
For more on how the midterms are shaping state races, explore Elections coverage across Texas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Khou.
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