Democrat James Talarico won Texas' U.S. Senate race Tuesday, defeating Republican Ken Paxton. He is the first Texas Democrat elected to the Senate since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.
Why it matters: The seat had been Republican for decades, and its loss weakens the GOP's hold on the Senate. Party leaders had warned Paxton's nomination put it at risk.
Where they split: Coverage divides on whether the result was mainly a rejection of Paxton's ethics record or a sign Democrats are gaining ground in Texas.
Center coverage, 22 sources: The center sees a historic end to Democrats' long statewide drought, enabled by a divisive Republican primary.
Left coverage, 23 sources: The left sees a seismic Democratic win built on faith, affordability and crossover appeal against a Republican weighed down by ethics problems.
Right coverage, 24 sources: The right sees an avoidable loss caused by Paxton's scandals and Trump's primary endorsement, despite Talarico's record on social issues.
What’s next: Talarico will be sworn in in January.
