Last night, I attended Texas state Rep. James Talarico’s watch party up in Austin as the US Senate primary results rolled in. It was a late night (more on that later), but one thing was clear:

“Tonight, our campaign is shocking the nation,” Talarico said last night in Austin.

Results to determine the candidates for Texas’ US Senate race were delayed for a few reasons. During early voting, folks were allowed to cast their ballot at any polling place in their county. But on Election Day, Dallas County voters were forced to vote in their precincts, leading to confusion and voters being turned away. (The precinct-based voting change was prompted earlier this year by county Republicans.)

Because of this, the Dallas County Democratic Party obtained an order to extend polling hours until 9 p.m. Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running to be the GOP nominee for US Senate, submitted a petition to the Texas Supreme Court to block the order, which was granted. However, despite all the hubbub, a majority of the votes were able to be counted, and the Associated Press declared Talarico the winner over his primary opponent, US House Rep. Jasmine Crockett.⁣

Love this kind of stuff? We’re hosting a virtual primary recap at noon today with COURIER’s own Katie Serrano and Dawn Jones. RSVP here.

So … are you happy about the election results?

In case you missed it: The most clicked link in Monday’s edition was about Houston ISD unanimously voting to close 12 schools.

Happy Women’s History Month! In honor of the celebration, I’m asking y’all about the women who continue to amaze and inspire you.

What current or historical woman do you admire the most?

Here’s how you’ve responded so far:

“Maya Angelou” — Jo Anne P.

Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist.

“Most admired woman: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker” — Matt M.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war in the American Civil War, and surgeon.

✅ State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) received 60% of the vote Tuesday night in the Democratic primary for Texas governor. She will now face incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, who received 82% of the vote in the Republican primary, on Nov. 3 in the general election.

📅 Neither Ken Paxton nor John Cornyn passed the 50% vote threshold needed to win the Republican nomination for US Senate on Tuesday. They will now face off in a runoff election on May 26.

❗ Currently, it looks like Christian Menefee and Al Green will be headed to a runoff for Congressional District 18, with Menefee receiving 46% of the votes and Green receiving 44%. (Axios Houston)

🗳 Runoffs are the name of the game this primary season, with both Republicans and Democrats heading to a runoff election for Harris County Judge. (Houston Chronicle)

By Katie Serrano

State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) defeated US Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) in the Texas Democratic primary for US Senate, receiving 53% of the vote to Crockett’s 45% as of early Wednesday morning.

Talarico, who announced his Senate run in September, centered his campaign around fighting billionaires and Republican corruption.

“The biggest divide in our country is not left vs. right—it’s top vs. bottom. Billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians have taken over our state and our country, rigging the system for themselves,” he said during his campaign announcement.

Talarico will now face either Republican US Sen. John Cornyn or his GOP primary challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in the general election on Nov. 3, when Talarico hopes to become the first Democrat to win a statewide election since 1994.

Before you go: On behalf of our parent company COURIER, check out this March 12 virtual event:

Big national decisions can have real impacts close to home—especially when it comes to health care.

COURIER is hosting a live virtual event, MAHA & the Midterms, to help break down how recent political choices are shaping health care access, affordability, and what families should know moving forward.

The conversation features author Hank Green, psychologist Dr. Mary Trump, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (a registered nurse), Shaughnessy Naughton of 314 Action, and medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta.

Join us for an informative discussion designed to help you better understand the issues—no policy background required.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen, with reporting by Katie Serrano. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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