West Texas Democrats celebrate state, national wins despite local losses
As election night returns came in late Tuesday Nov. 3 and Wednesday, West Texas Democrats saw few of the local wins and party flips they'd campaigned for.
But local activists and candidates said they were encouraged by what they called progress locally and generational change across the state and beyond, with Democrats securing nearly every statewide race, securing the Texas House and winning the U.S. House and Senate.
Kyle Rable, who ran as a Democrat for the West Texas-based U.S. House 19 seat, said he found positives despite his loss to Republican Tom Sell. Rable, for his part, received 67,674 votes or 30.5% - notable improvement over the 19% of the vote the Democratic challenger received in the 2024 election against incumbent Republican Jodey Arrington, who did not seek re-election this year.
"I think this is the best race that West Texas has probably seen in a good couple of decades," Rable said. "I'm proud of everything that we've done out here, the fight that we've done and the people we've talked to that needed to hear a real voice in West Texas and I'm just so proud of what we've done, what we've accomplished and what we've seen."
Rable added: "I know all of these statewide (candidates) personally and I'm excited to see them take their offices. I'm excited for Gina Hinojosa to become the next governor of Texas and James Talarico the next senator. I'm excited for all of my friends who have won these races because I know they're going to help Texans and help their daily lives."
Locally, Democrat Marina Garcia was successful against Republican Traci Baxa in the race for Lubbock County Precinct 3 justice of the peace, with Garcia receiving nearly 60% of the vote.
Malik Williams, the Democratic candidate who ran against State Representative and Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, for HD 83, released a video statement on social media after learning he lost with 27% of the vote compared to 73% for Burrows.
"However, we won in so many other ways. We received more votes than any other Democrat to have run for this office (in recent history) and I saw 200 people get registered and vote for the first time," Williams said, noting that Texas Democrats will control the State House. "And we now know that victory and success is possible. So, we are never going to let Republicans run unopposed again because the people refuse to concede to fascism."
Kerri Padilla, the Democrat who ran for Lubbock County Clerk, released a statement after results showed she lost to Republican Sandy Garcia with 36.3% of the vote compared to 63.7% for Garcia.
"I am so honored to have had the opportunity to run for office for the people of this county," she wrote. "I didn't get the outcome I wanted, but I'm so proud of the work that I did and so proud of being on the same ticket as some pretty bad ass Democrats, who turned this state blue. I also met some amazing friends and I can't wait to continue the good work. I encourage anyone especially women who want to get involved with community and politics. Come on, let's go. The more the merrier. And of course to Sandra Garcia, congratulations, you have earned this and I know you will continue the good work at the county clerks office."
Hailey Stromberg is a reporting intern for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in Texas. Have a news tip for her? Email our newsroom at newmedia@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: West Texas Democrats celebrate state, national wins despite local losses
