Brazoria County voters favored Democrats in two of Texas’ highest-profile races Tuesday, Nov. 3, joining the statewide shift that propelled James Talarico to the U.S. Senate and Gina Hinojosa to the governor’s office. Meanwhile, several local races remained closely contested, including two county commissioner seats and a Texas House district separated by fewer than 500 votes.
As of this writing, 36 of Brazoria County’s 52 polling locations had reported results, representing approximately 69%. The unofficial figures showed Democrats leading in several major races, although Republicans maintained advantages in numerous county offices.
In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat James Talarico led Republican Ken Paxton in Brazoria County with 65,745 votes, or 51.5%, compared with Paxton’s 59,325 votes, or 46.5%. Libertarian Ted Brown received 2,477 votes.
Talarico’s statewide victory marked a historic breakthrough for Texas Democrats, who had not won a U.S. Senate election since 1988.
Brazoria County voters also favored Democrat Gina Hinojosa for governor. Hinojosa received 63,804 votes, or 50%, compared with 61,707 votes, or 48.3%, for Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Libertarian Pat Dixon received 2,080 votes.
Hinojosa defeated Abbott statewide, ending three decades of Republican control of the governor’s office and becoming Texas’ first Latina governor.
In Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, which includes much of Pearland, Republican Trever Nehls led Democrat Marquette Greene-Scott in Brazoria County with 32,462 votes, or 67%, compared with Greene-Scott’s 15,976 votes, or 33%. Nehls was seeking the seat previously held by his brother, Republican Troy Nehls.
In the 14th Congressional District, Democrat Thurman Bill Bartie led Republican incumbent Randy Weber among Brazoria County voters, receiving 26,284 votes, or 56.4%, compared with Weber’s 20,301 votes, or 43.6%. Weber, however, held the advantage districtwide.
Democrat Rhonda Hart also led Republican incumbent Brian Babin in the county’s portion of the 36th Congressional District, receiving 20,362 votes, or 64.9%, compared with Babin’s 11,018 votes, or 35.1%. Babin maintained a districtwide lead.
In Texas Senate District 11, Democrat Shannon Dicely led Republican Dennis Paul in Brazoria County, 50,794 votes to 38,486, approximately 56.9% to 43.1%.
The race for Texas House District 29, which includes much of Pearland, was among the closest contests. Republican Jeff Barry received 32,045 votes, or 50.4%, compared with 31,583 votes, or 49.6%, for Democrat Karen Reeder, a margin of just 462 votes.
In neighboring House District 25, Republican incumbent Cody Thane Vasut led Democrat Mike Meadors, 31,999 votes to 30,134, approximately 51.5% to 48.5%.
At the county level, Republican Rob Giesecke led the three-way race for Brazoria County judge with 61,553 votes, or 49%, compared with 54,114 votes, or 43.1%, for Democrat Eugene Howard. Independent Lucinda Henry received 9,989 votes, or approximately 8%.
Two county commissioner races were particularly competitive.
In Precinct 2, Democrat Carlos Townsend Sr. held a razor-thin lead over Republican Alfred Froberg, receiving 17,239 votes to Froberg’s 17,217. The margin was just 22 votes out of more than 34,000 cast.
In Precinct 4, Democrat Becky Singleton led Republican David Linder, 18,040 votes to 17,204, a margin of 836 votes.
Other countywide races favored Republicans, although several were decided by relatively modest margins.
Republican Tom Selleck led Democrat Bianca Santorini for criminal district attorney, 64,329 votes to 61,095. Republican Cassandra Tigner led Democrat Grandison Porter for district clerk, 65,116 votes to 59,794.
Republican Joyce Hudman led Democrat Adrienne Bell for county clerk, 63,809 votes to 61,182, while Republican Angela Dees led Democrat Steve Sanders for county treasurer, 64,270 votes to 60,525.
Democrats also held leads in contested justice of the peace races in Precinct 2, Place 2; Precinct 3, Place 2; and Precinct 4, Place 2.
The county’s voting patterns in other statewide races were mixed. Democrat Vikki Goodwin led Republican incumbent Dan Patrick for lieutenant governor, 62,362 votes to 61,378.
Republican Mayes Middleton held an exceptionally narrow advantage over Democrat Nathan Johnson for attorney general, 62,427 votes to 62,365, a difference of just 62 votes.
Republicans also held small countywide leads in the races for comptroller, land commissioner and agriculture commissioner, while Democrat Jon Rosenthal led Republican Bo French for railroad commissioner.
Overall, Brazoria County’s results reflected a competitive political landscape, with Democrats performing strongly at the top of the ballot while Republicans maintained advantages in many county offices.
The narrow margins in several local contests, particularly the Precinct 2 commissioner race and House District 29, could change as additional votes are counted.
All figures are unofficial and reflect Brazoria County’s cumulative results report issued at 10:07 p.m. Tuesday, with 36 of 52 polling locations reporting.
