Parker County voters stayed “true red,” overwhelmingly voting for Republicans up and down the ticket on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
However, it wasn’t enough as a blue wave washed over Texas. Democrats now hold the state offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller — and others.
And, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate seat, earning 55.02% of the votes. Paxton earned 43.03%.
“There is no question that last night’s election results represent a significant setback for Texas Republicans. We lost every statewide race, a United States Senate seat, and control of the Texas House,” said Brady Gray, Parker County Republican chair. “Those results deserve an honest assessment, and there will be plenty of time in the coming days to examine what happened, where we fell short, and what needs to change moving forward.”
Kay Parr, Parker County Democratic chair, was thrilled with the statewide results.
“I went to bed Monday night with the highest hopes, but the reality on Tuesday night far exceeded my wildest dreams for turning Texas blue,” Parr siad. “My hope now is that Governor Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico and our new Texas state leadership will focus on fixing the problems facing all our citizens—the high cost of food and gas, healthcare and basic infrastructure needs -- and very importantly, healing our nation. So many candidate acceptance speeches across the nation mentioned serving all the people, not just one party. I am hopeful that we will begin having conversations with both sides of the aisle, and that input from our citizens is not ignored or blocked along party lines.”
Voters in Parker County and in their districts did manage to bring back their two U.S. representatives.
Republican Roger Williams, U.S. Rep. of District 25, which includes Parker County, retained his position with 53.74% of the vote.
Republican Craig Goldman, U.S. Rep. of District 12, which includes parts of Parker County, won his race over Angela “Heli” Rodriguez Prilliman with 53.12% of the vote.
Republican Mike Olcott, the incumbent state representative of District 60, which includes Parker County, garnered 77.67% of the vote over his challenger, Democrat Krissy Guess.
Republicans also maintained their hold on Parker County government.
Judge Pat Deen will return for another term, defeating Richard Simms with 77.56% of the vote.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Jacob Holt defeated Democrat Henry Lee Butler with 82.11% of the vote.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Mike Hale defeated Democrat Rian Brassell with 76.33% of the vote.
The Republican incumbents for district clerk, county clerk, county treasurer, JP-1, JP-2, JP-3, and JP-4 were all unopposed.
The statewide results were much different.
Democrat challenger Gina Hinojosa defeated Greg Abbott with 52.76% of the votes. Abbott garnered 45.71%.
Democrat challenger Vikki Goodwin defeated Dan Patrtick with 51.69% of the votes. Patrick got 45.67%.
Democrat Nathan Johnson defeated Republican Mayes Middleton for the attorney general’s office vacated by Paxton. Johnson got 52.34% of the votes to Middleton’s 45.98%.
Democrat challenger Sarah Eckhardt ousted Don Huffines as comptroller of public accounts. She garnered 41.27% of the votes to Huffines’ 46.19%.
“The results are not without important implications for the future,” Gray said. “Republicans retained control of the Texas Senate, preserving an important legislative check as Texas enters the 90th Legislature. What that means in practice will depend on the willingness of those senators to exercise their constitutional responsibilities and engage in the difficult work ahead, and we’re lucky to be represented by two that I believe will do just that.”
“While Parker County did not go blue, the local Democratic Party is still very happy with the accomplishments of this election. We fielded great local candidates – Richard Simms for County Judge, and Rian Brassel and Henry Lee Butler for County Commissioner,” Parr said. “We turned out a higher percentage of Democratic voters in Parker County. We helped the top of our Democratic statewide slate by increasing their votes. We grew our party and gained invaluable experience that will help us in future elections. We are highly motivated and looking forward to the work ahead.”
For a complete report of the election results, go to:
or https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-enr-ui/races
Both of the propositions before Willow Park voters failed.
Proposition A, if it had passed, would have paved the way for Willow Park to become a home-rule city.
It failed 67.19% to 32.81%.
Proposition B, if it had passed, would have authorized the City of Willow Park to issue up to $10.1 million for road and infrastructure work.
It failed 51.37% to 48.63%.
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