State Rep. James Talarico, a former middle school teacher and former public defender, won the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate in Texas, defeating U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in one of the most closely watched and expensive primaries in the country. His win sets up a November midterms where Democrats believe they have a chance to win. The Republican primary is set to go to a runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and the state’s attorney general Ken Paxton, who have been embroiled in legal and personal controversies. Over $125 million was spent across the Democratic and Republican Senate contests, making the Texas race the most expensive primary season in the US. Talaric's victory was seen as a preliminary victory for Democrats who believe coalition-building is the key to ending their 32-year statewide losing streak.