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Despite Efforts By State Democrats, Texas Stays Red

Bob Daemmrich
/
The Texas Tribune
Greg Abbott celebrates his victory over Wendy Davis.

Five stories that have North Texas talking: attempts by state Democrats to turn Texas blue fall flat, Frisco is one step closer to extending “last call”, detectives investigate a missing Fort Worth woman’s friend, and more.

It was a Republican sweep for statewide offices last night. Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, Ken Paxton and others will hold major positions in Texas government, dashing the hopes of state Democrats to turn Texas blue, or even purple. Democrats needed to gain counties in the midterm election, but as the Texas Tribune reports, the party actually lost counties to Republicans. This map shows which counties went red.

In Wendy Davis’ concession speech last night, she encouraged supporters to continue their efforts.

“Tonight, I know that you are disappointed. And being disappointed is OK. But being discouraged is not,” she said. “What we have before us is an opportunity to remake this state in your image.”

Analysts and some Republicans have wondered if a shift is possible in the Lone Star state’s future. FiveThirtyEight’s verdict: “Assuming rural Texas remains staunchly red, Democratic candidates won’t win Texas until they win over suburban voters. Texas is red.”

  • Frisco is one step closer to extending hours for alcohol sales. There were some big propositions passed last night, but one in Frisco could extend “last call.” Voters approved a proposition to extend alcohol sales until 2 a.m. The issue will go before the Frisco City Council, who will have the final say. Right now, alcohol is served until midnight six days a week and until 1 a.m. on Saturdays.

  • Plano police are now focusing on the friend of Christina Morris in their investigation into the Fort Worth woman’s disappearance. NBC 5 reports detectives believe Enrique Arochi, who was last seen with Morris before she disappeared Aug. 30, has been lying in his statements. Arochi has not been named a suspect in the investigation, but detectives have obtained a search warrant to seize his car despite his statements that Morris was never in his car.  

  • Now that plans for a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston are in motion, DART will have to make plans to accommodate potential new passengers. The Dallas Business Journal reports some plans being discussed include extending the Dallas Streetcar system and lengthening train platforms to include three-car trains.

  • Twitter users are poking fun at the Dallas Cowboys’ social media strategy to promote their game in London. Look up #CowboysUK on Twitter and you can catch the latest updates on the team’s adventures there. You’ll also find users gleefully pointing out the tweet could also read “Cowboy sUK.” The team is continuing to use the hashtag, so the online jokes will likely continue. [The Dallas Morning News]
Former KERA staffer Krystina Martinez was an assistant producer. She produced local content for Morning Edition and KERANews.org. She also produced The Friday Conversation, a weekly series of conversations with North Texas newsmakers. Krystina was also the backup newscaster for the Texas Standard.