5 Times Texas Shifted National Politics

It’s Election Day, and Texans know that when it comes to politics, everything is bigger here. From the early days of statehood to today’s key votes, Texas has a track record of making waves on the national stage. Here’s a look back at five times Texas voters helped steer the course of American history. Grab your cowboy hat and voting sticker—these moments remind us why Texas matters every Election Day.

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1. Texas Joins the Union (1845)

Before Texas was a state, it was its own country—the Republic of Texas! Texans voted to join the U.S. in 1845, bringing a unique culture and spirit into the mix that would soon be deeply intertwined with the American identity. Statehood added momentum to Manifest Destiny, the belief that the U.S. should expand from coast to coast, while also stoking debates over slavery that would play a role in the path to the Civil War. Texas didn’t just add territory—it brought along cultural pride and complicated questions that would shape the nation’s future.

2. Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Landslide” Victory and the Civil Rights Movement (1948 & 1964)

Known as “Landslide Lyndon” after winning a razor-thin 87-vote Senate primary victory in 1948, Lyndon B. Johnson went on to have an outsized influence on American politics. As president, Johnson signed landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, helping to reshape America’s social landscape by expanding voting and civil rights for millions. Texans played a big role in sending Johnson to the Senate, then to the vice presidency, and eventually to the Oval Office, making his home state a central force behind some of the most significant reforms in U.S. history.

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3. Bush vs. Gore: The Election That Took Weeks to Settle (2000)

The 2000 presidential election between Texan George W. Bush and Al Gore was so close that the country waited weeks while votes in Florida were recounted. Bush ultimately won by a narrow 537-vote margin in Florida, following a controversial Supreme Court decision that stopped the recount. Though Bush’s Texas home base wasn’t directly involved in the recount battle, his Texas support propelled him into the race and kept him as a serious contender, while the election itself brought major changes to U.S. voting procedures, such as the Help America Vote Act of 2002. This unforgettable election served as a dramatic reminder of the power of every single vote.

4. Texas as a Testing Ground for Modern Conservatism (1980s-Present)

Over recent decades, Texas has become a launchpad for conservative policy ideas that ripple across the country. As one of the most reliably red states, Texas has pioneered legislation on issues ranging from taxes and gun rights to healthcare and education. Texas’ approach has become a model for other conservative states, making the Lone Star State a testing ground for policies that influence the national conversation well beyond state lines. Texas doesn’t just ride the political wave—it often creates it.

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5. The 2022 Texas Turnout and the Future of Swing State Politics

In recent years, Texas has become a surprising battleground for both parties. Changing demographics and a growing urban population have led to a rapid increase in voter turnout, as seen in the 2022 midterm elections. While Texas remains a red state, Texans have made national headlines as a potential future swing state, drawing attention from both parties eager to claim its large number of electoral votes. From border policies to big-city issues, Texas has shifted from a state-specific focus to one that influences national debates—putting Texas voters in a prime position to tip the scales in upcoming elections.

Why Every Texas Vote Matters

Texas’ impact on national politics is big and bold, just like the state itself. Each of these moments shows how Texans have the power to influence national issues and shape the future. So if you haven’t already, get out there and vote, because in Texas, every voice truly counts—and who knows? Maybe the next big moment in American history will start right here.