By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Texas Representative Beto O’Rourke is considering a run for Senate in 2026, despite having lost several elections since his last win in 2016 and with Colin Allred already running. O’Rourke, who declined to challenge Senator John Cornyn in 2020, lost to Ted Cruz in 2018, and Greg Abbott in 2022. Amidst Cornyn’s difficult primary battle with Ken Paxton, O’Rourke has called on Democrats to be “ruthless” and use redistricting to their advantage. He believes that Democrats have a real opportunity in 2026 and must take action.
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Beto O’Rourke doesn’t rule out a 2026 Senate run, and the response is…mixed, to say the least. The sentiment seems to be overwhelmingly against another campaign. The general feeling is that he’s had his chances, and those chances have consistently ended in defeat. There’s a prevailing sense of “been there, done that,” with many people expressing the desire for him to step aside and let someone else try.
The repeated losses are a major point of contention. Many people point to his multiple unsuccessful bids for various offices, highlighting the consistent inability to resonate with Texas voters. The phrase “addicted to losing” crops up more than once, painting a picture of someone who seems to enjoy the attention, even if it doesn’t translate into actual wins. The consensus appears to be that it’s time to move on and focus on other potential candidates.
One of the main reasons cited for his lack of success is his stance on gun control. The comment that he “said, ‘Yes, MF, I am taking your guns'” encapsulates the core of the issue. In a state like Texas, where gun ownership is deeply ingrained in the culture and identity, such statements are seen as a death knell for any political aspirations. Many believe this single issue has effectively rendered him unelectable in the state, leading to a lack of willingness to vote for him.
The critique extends beyond his policy positions, touching on broader strategic concerns. Several people suggest that Beto’s strength lies not in being the candidate but in his campaign strategy. Specifically, his commitment to visiting every county in the state is lauded as an effective way to connect with voters. The common sentiment is that he should channel his talents into helping other Democrats win by offering his strategic blueprint, instead of running for office again.
The article reflects the frustration and exasperation that many feel toward the continued political ambitions of failed candidates. It calls for him to instead help the party through other means. Some voices suggest that he use his talents to work with donors, fundraise and focus on the party’s growth through other means. The overarching theme is a desire for fresh faces, new strategies, and a more pragmatic approach to winning in Texas.
The discussion also touches on the overall state of the Democratic Party in Texas. Concerns are raised about the party’s ability to compete, especially in the face of strong Republican dominance. Some feel that the Democratic Party in Texas is “on life support,” needing new ideas, new candidates, and a shift in strategy. It calls for them to be “ruthless” in their approach, which appears to be interpreted as focusing on winning and not letting ego get in the way.
The fact that other prominent Texas Democrats have already announced their intentions to run in 2026 is seen as a positive development. The names of Colin Allred, Joaquin Castro, and James Talarico are mentioned as potential candidates, creating the possibility of a competitive primary. The focus is on which of these candidates is best suited to take on a challenge and win.
The general public consensus is to let someone else have a chance to win, even if they do not agree with his politics. They want a new candidate to challenge the status quo, or see a different route to success. The article is a commentary that reflects a common sentiment among the voters in Texas and the future of the state’s Democratic Party.