Google’s graphic of the 2026 Midterm Election results for Senate
By: Salisa Wellenreuther, Skyline Reporter
ALPINE – The 2026 midterm election made history. Democratic votes flipped several states and are projected to have elected numerous minorities into office. This year's election resulted in several firsts, including two Native American women, openly LGBTQ+ individuals, the first Black female governor, and the first Latina governor in Texas. For many Sul Ross students, this increase in representation meant hope for their futures as minorities themselves.
The projected election results show that Democrats won both the Senate and the House, as well as the majority of gubernatorial (governor) elections. Democrats claimed areas of the United States that have eluded them for years.
Google’s graphic of the 2026 Midterm Election results for Governor
Regarding the projected election of an openly gay man, student Tre’Sean Hardy said to the Skyline, “I think it’s super dope! The queer perspective in U.S. politics is still in the minority, so this is a huge win!”
Additionally, student Lee Larremore commented on the anti-trans rhetoric many Republican politicians have been spreading and what the electing of an openly Transgender candidate meant to them. “With how the past election went, especially in Texas, I never felt particularly safe as a queer/trans person. I felt alone in a sea of people who voted against my rights. But we are blue now! The community voted against that rhetoric. I finally feel safe.” said Larremore.
A monumental moment in Texas was Gina Hinojosas’ election as the first Latina governor in state. Sul Ross State University was honored as a Hispanic Serving Institution but has since experienced a drop in funding due to a decision by the U.S. Department of Education for its racial quota. Hinojosa’s win raises the question of whether the university can expect some of that funding to be returned.
Student Karyme (Kenny) Rodriguez told the skyline, “Hinojosa stands to represent the work ethic and dedication the Hispanic community can display, especially for a campus that cares a lot about its Hispanic community. It’s a beacon of hope as well as inspiration that we can, in fact, be as successful as we think we can be.”