Tuesday’s close Senate election in Texas has both parties taking note on Wednesday.
They both know the razor-thin margin between Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke signals a change Democrats and Republicans aim to take advantage of.
Just a little more than two and a half percent…. that’s the difference in one of the most watched Senate races in the country.
"Tonight’s loss does nothing to diminish the way I feel about Texas or this country," said Beto O’Rourke to a crowd of supporters on election night.
At the same time, Ted Cruz told his supporters this election brings hope.
"This was an election about hope and the future and the people of Texas," said Ted Cruz to his supporters.
But Tuesday’s election also came down to independent voters like Charlotte Doran of Waco.
"This election was more about what aligned with my family values and the things I needed from my Congressman," Doran said.
And that’s how she made her choice.
But this close election got attention for more reasons that one.
How close was Tuesday’s Senate race?
Get this: Beto O’Rourke came closer to beating a Republican incumbent U.S. Senator than anyone since 1978.
It has both Republicans and Democrats paying attention to demographic shifts in Texas and how to take advantage for the next election.
O’Rourke tended to do better in big cities and border counties, while Cruz got a strong response in rural and suburban areas.
”If some Republicans are moving in, so are the Democrats and so we have to be very careful about making sure our message is out there clear and understood,” said Colonel Jon Ker, Chairman of the McLennan County Republican Party.
Republicans say it’s all about the message and reaching out to voters in ways that touch their lives.
Democrats aim to try the personal touch.
”Because it’s the real stuff that wins elections, the person-to-person connection the kind of connection that Beto O’Rourke could make,” explained Mary Duty, Chairperson of the McLennan County Democratic Party.
So, while both parties saw Charlotte Doran as a prize, she says she’ll make up her own mind.
”They’re just gonna have to convince me that what they are gonna bring to the table and the things that they’re gonna do for Texas and the nation just align with my family values, morals and my family needs,” explained Doran.
Because everybody seems to believe the next election could get even closer.
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