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Tight races from Midterms 2018 could suggest shift in Central Texas political leanings

The 2018 midterm elections resulted in many tight races across the state and some think it could mean a change for the political leanings in the area.

BELL COUNTY, Texas — Tuesday's midterm elections resulted in historic voter turnout and many close races. Both parties had races to celebrate and to mourn.

"We were able to hold onto Congressman Carter's seat and also carried for Senator Cruz and we were very pleased about that," said Nancy Boston of the Bell County GOP.

On the other side of the isle, Democrats said they are celebrating a historic win.

"We've made history last night. We, for the first time in twenty years, we elected a county commissioner in precinct four," said William Rosenberg with Bell County Democrats.

With multiple tight races, the Bell County Democrats think it could mean changes for the demographics of the county.

"I think clearly they are," said Rosenberg. "I think you are seeing it in an energized electorate in Killeen as i say where the turnout there solidly elected a democrat,"

Associate Professor of Political Science at Baylor, Patrick Flavin, agreed. He said Beto O'Rourke's campaign jump started a lot of democrats across the state.

"...But some of it is this sort of slow movement of Texas towards becoming more of a purple state. We are certainly not there yet. It's still a Republican state, but the fact that a democratic senate challenger could come within two and a half points of beating a Republican incumbent I think it should make Democrats optimistic, " said Flavin.

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