Democrats turned an election night that had once seemed unlikely into a string of significant victories, winning key Senate contests and races that had barely featured in earlier forecasts. Among the biggest surprises were Annie Andrews’ defeat of Republican Darline Graham in South Carolina and Gina Hinojosa’s win in the Texas governor’s race.
In South Carolina, physician Andrews defeated Graham in a state that had not elected a Democratic senator in more than two decades. President Donald Trump had backed Graham, who was seeking to succeed her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Andrews ran as a candidate at some distance from the Democratic establishment, while Graham faced questions about her experience and a late rise in support for her opponent.
Kansas also delivered an unexpected Democratic Senate victory. Adam Hamilton, a pastor who had been a Republican until this year, defeated incumbent Roger Marshall. Hamilton’s moderate profile and popularity as the founder and leader of a large Methodist congregation helped his campaign. Marshall, meanwhile, faced criticism over reports that his medical practice had sued hundreds of patients over unpaid bills and imposed fees on overdue accounts.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the Senate race, giving his party its first statewide victory there in more than three decades. Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, campaigned on a mix of Democratic policies and Christian values. His win helped propel Gina Hinojosa to victory in the governor’s race, making her the first Latina to lead the state, according to the report.
Democrats also prevailed in Ohio, where physician Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the governor’s race. A controversial campaign ad attacking Acton’s character drew condemnation from several Republican politicians and was withdrawn shortly before Election Day. Sherrod Brown also won the state’s Senate contest against incumbent Jon Husted.
In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson. In Maine, longtime Republican senator Susan Collins conceded to her challenger, Troy Jackson, before news organizations had officially called the race.
Sources: El País Portada.