Talarico and Hinojosa's stop post midterm wins? This Texas staple

Elected Texas officials James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa celebrated their victories at a state fast-food staple.

Surrounded by cheering supporters at an Austin Whataburger Tuesday, Nov. 3, the 2026 midterm election winners were spotted smiling and clinking their soda cups. Both Democrats posted the moment on social media.

"First stop post-win: Whataburger," Talarico wrote in a caption. "We did it (Talarico)," and "For Texas," added Hinojosa.

Some commenters likened the moment to the tradition of Oscar-winning actors going to In-N-Out post-award ceremony.

Talarico, Hinojosa make history after midterm wins

The Democrats took control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in what's being called a "blue wave" or "blue tsunami" over traditional red states.

James Talarico shook the national political landscape by defeating Republican Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate in deep red Texas, becoming the first Democrat to win that seat since 1988.

Hinojosa beat incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas, making her the first Latina to lead the state and the first Democratic governor since 1990.

Contributing: Rebecca Morin, Miles J. Herszenhorn, Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].