Central Texas voters have spoken. Early results from the November 3 general election confirm that incumbent Republican Charles Schwertner retained his State Senate seat in District 5, while longtime Democratic Senator Judith Zaffirini was reelected in District 21. In District 24, Republican Pete Flores also held his seat, defeating Democratic challenger Joe Paz Herrera.
District 5: Schwertner Defeats Thomasson
Incumbent Charles Schwertner, R‑Georgetown, leads challenger Paul Thomasson, D‑College Station, with 53.3% of the vote to Thomasson’s 46.7% in the final count. The race was close in the early tally, with Schwertner at 50.1% and Thomasson at 49.9% after 51 of 342 precincts reported, but the margin widened as more precincts were canvassed. District 5 covers much of Williamson County and extends east into San Jacinto, north to Limestone and Freestone counties, and includes Brazos County, home to Bryan and College Station.
Schwertner first won the Senate seat in 2012 and previously served in the Texas House representing District 20. Thomasson, a United Methodist pastor of over four decades, entered the race after a long career in ministry.
District 21: Zaffirini’s Strong Lead
Democratic incumbent Judith Zaffirini, D‑Laredo, secured a decisive victory with 69.1% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Julie Dahlberg, R‑Sutherland Springs, who earned 30.9%. Early returns showed Zaffirini with 72.6% of votes after 113 of 291 precincts reported.
Zaffirini, the first Mexican‑American woman elected to the Texas Senate in 1986, brings a background in communication and over a decade of teaching experience at the college level. Dahlberg, a U.S. Army veteran, has worked with nonprofit groups supporting military families and individuals experiencing homelessness, and she co‑owns MYCO Glass & Mirror with her husband.
District 24: Flores Holds Seat
Republican Pete Flores, R‑Austin, won reelection with 56.6% of the vote, beating Democratic nominee Joe Paz Herrera, D‑Natalia, who received 43.4%. Early figures had Flores at 53.7% to Herrera’s 46.3% after 52 of 276 precincts reported.
Flores, a former Texas Game Warden with 27 years of service, first entered the Senate in a 2018 special election for District 19 and was elected to represent District 24 in 2022. Herrera comes from a background in the food and packaged‑goods industry and previously ran as the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 53 in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
What These Results Mean for Central Texas
The outcomes preserve the current partisan composition of the state Senate in these Central Texas districts. Republican incumbents Schwertner and Flores will continue to advance the administration’s priorities on issues such as energy policy, border security, and economic growth. Senator Zaffirini’s reelection ensures continued representation for her district’s diverse communities and her long‑standing advocacy on education and health matters.
All results remain unofficial until the Texas Secretary of State completes the canvass. Voters can follow the final certification on the Secretary of State’s website.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
