Story perspectives

Obama backs Texas Democrats as Talarico, Hinojosa lead

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Barack Obama (former President) joined Texas Democrats at a taco shop near the University of Texas, backed James Talarico (Senate candidate) and Gina Hinojosa (gubernatorial hopeful) and gave no endorsement but urged voters to vote.
Talarico leads John Cornyn (Senator) three points and Ken Paxton (Attorney General) five, while Hinojosa leads Greg Abbott (Governor) five.
Hinojosa’s campaign stresses utility costs, safety net, runs on budget versus Abbott’s $100 million-plus war chest.

History

Historical Context

The November 8, 1994 Texas midterm elections gave Republicans control of the state legislature for the first time since Reconstruction, winning 86 of 150 House seats and 19 of 31 Senate seats. The victory built on the 1994 Republican Revolution led by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey and set the stage for Tom DeLay’s 2003 redistricting that entrenched GOP dominance.

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Story summary

Barack Obama (former President) joined Texas Democrats at a taco shop near the University of Texas, backed James Talarico (Senate candidate) and Gina Hinojosa (gubernatorial hopeful) and gave no endorsement but urged voters to vote.
Talarico leads John Cornyn (Senator) three points and Ken Paxton (Attorney General) five, while Hinojosa leads Greg Abbott (Governor) five.
Hinojosa’s campaign stresses utility costs, safety net, runs on budget versus Abbott’s $100 million-plus war chest.

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