Story perspectives

GOP’s Brett Ligon Wins Texas Senate District 4 with 75% Vote

5/3/2026

Center

Brett Ligon Wins

Brett Ligon captured roughly three-quarters of the vote, preserving GOP control of the Trump-leaning District 4 seat.
The May 2 special election awarded Republican Brett Ligon the Texas Senate District 4 seat, defeating Democrat Ron Angeletti.
The seat opened after Brandon Creighton resigned in October 2025 to lead Texas Tech University System.
Ligon will serve until the legislature reconvenes in January 2027 and faces Angeletti again in November 2026.

Left

Talarico Fundraises Record

Democratic nominee James Talarico raised a record $27 million in the first quarter, out-funding both Republican contenders.
Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are contesting a highly competitive tight runoff election.
U.S. President Donald Trump has not endorsed either candidate, leaving the race without a endorsement.
Cornyn spent $5.7 million significantly on ads; Paxton has $2.6 million cash versus Cornyn’s $8.2 million.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized the special-election context, noting that the seat was vacant after Senator Brandon Creighton resigned to become Texas Tech System chancellor.
Left coverage did not include that vacancy or the reason for the election, focusing instead on the Senate runoff fundraising and candidate dynamics.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 Texas Senate elections, Republicans won 14 of 31 seats but Democrats kept a 17-seat majority—the last time they controlled the chamber after a run since 1872. The race, driven by figures such as U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Governor George W. Bush, set the path for the GOP’s later dominance, a backdrop to the 2025 District 4 contest featuring John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.

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Brett Ligon Wins

Brett Ligon captured roughly three-quarters of the vote, preserving GOP control of the Trump-leaning District 4 seat.
The May 2 special election awarded Republican Brett Ligon the Texas Senate District 4 seat, defeating Democrat Ron Angeletti.
The seat opened after Brandon Creighton resigned in October 2025 to lead Texas Tech University System.
Ligon will serve until the legislature reconvenes in January 2027 and faces Angeletti again in November 2026.

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