Texas House Republican ousted early as Democrats hope to make gains in lower chamber

By Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune
November 3, 2026

Republican state Rep. Denise Villalobos has conceded to Democrat Stephanie Guerrero Sáenz in the Texas House, an early flip in the Legislature’s lower chamber on a night when Texas Democrats are outperforming expectations statewide with early results coming in. Democrats hope to gain ground in the House the first time since 2018.

Villalobos’ chief of staff told The Texas Tribune the incumbent had conceded to Guerrero Sáenz.

None of the most hotly contested state House races have been officially called, but heading into Election Day, many Republicans were girding themselves for enough losses to change the dynamics of the lower chamber, which Republicans have controlled since 2003. With a highly competitive U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, Tuesday represents Democrats’ best chance at flipping state House seats in years.

Villalobos, of Corpus Christi, lost while seeking her first reelection after flipping the seat in 2024. The winner, Guerrero Sáenz, is a public school teacher.

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.