Is Texas a blue state now? Here is the last time a Democrat won in every statewide office

Incumbent Governor Greg Abbott conceded the race to Democrat challenger Gina Hinojosa Tuesday night. With 52.8% of the vote, Hinojosa became the first Democrat and woman to be elected Governor in more than 30 years. She is the first Latina elected governor in Texas.

The last Democrat to be elected governor was Ann Richards, who came to office in 1990 and served a single term. A former teacher, Richards was known for making changes to Texas’ education system and oversaw the revival of the state’s economy. She was defeated by George W. Bush in the 1994 election.

When was the last time a Democrat won a Texas Senate seat?

Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton Tuesday, with 55.07% of the vote. The last time a Democrat won a Senate seat in Texas, James Talarico had not yet been born.

The last Democrat to hold the office was Lloyd Bentsen, who left the Senate in 1988. The World War II pilot and former U.S. House Rep. was first elected to statewide office in 1970, when he defeated then-future President George H.W. Bush. In 1988, he left the Senate to run with Democrat Michael Dukakis as his vice president. He later served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton. He was described as a conservative by his Democratic peers.

When was the last time a Democrat was elected to Lt. Governor?

Vikki Goodwin defeated incumbent Dan Patrick on Tuesday to become the first Democrat to win Lieutenant Governor in 27 years. Goodwin, who previously represented Austin in the state legislature, will become the state’s second-in-command to the governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa.

The last Democrat to be elected to office was Bob Bullock, who was first elected in 1990 and served until 1999. He is best known for his transformation of the state’s comptroller’s office.

When was the last time a Democrat was elected to Texas Attorney General?

For the last two decades, the office of Attorney General has served as a launching pad for politicians who go on to the state’s top offices. John Cornyn served as Attorney General from 1999 to 2002, and Greg Abbott took over from 2002 to 2015. Now, for the first time this century, a Democrat will take over the office.

Nathan Johnson, a Dallas state senator and corporate litigator, is the first Democrat elected to the office since 1994, when Dan Morales was elected to a second term. During his time in office, Morales reached a $17 billion settlement with tobacco companies.

When was the last time a Democrat was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission?

Democrat Jon Rosenthal defeated Republican Bo French to become Texas Railroad Commissioner, the office that governs the state’s impactful energy sector, including the oil and gas industry. Rosenthal won with 52.6% of the vote.

Before Rosenthal’s election, the last Democrat to receive a majority of votes in the race was Bob Krueger, who was elected in 1990 and served until 1993. He went on to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.

When was the last time a Democrat was elected to be Texas Agriculture Commissioner?

Clayton Tucker, a Lampasas rancher and Democrat, was elected to become the first Democratic Agriculture Commissioner in nearly 40 years. He defeated Republican Nate Sheetz.

The last Democrat elected was Jim Hightower in 1982. He served until he was ousted by Democrat-turned-Republican Rick Perry in 1990.

When was the last time a Democrat was elected to be Texas Comptroller?

Democrat Sarah Eckhardt defeated incumbent Republican Don Huffines to take over the statewide office that oversees the state’s finances. Part of their duties include overseeing the $1 billion program that offers families taxpayer-funded vouchers to send their kids to private schools and pay for educational expenses.

John Sharp was the last Democrat to serve in the office. He was elected in 1990 and left office in 1999. He later went on to serve as the 14th Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, an office he held until 2025.