Following the midterm elections, the Republican party will retain control of the Texas Legislature.

The GOP will likely control 86 of the 150 seats in the Texas House when the legislative session begins in January — a net gain of one seat.

Among the Republicans who won key seats, Mike Schofield flipped House District 132, defeating Democrat incumbent Gina Calanni.

Monica De La Cruz (R) defeated Michelle Vallejo (D) in the race for Texas’ 15th congressional district, which has traditionally been represented by Democrats.

“Praise God!” said De La Cruz after the results were announced. “My win is not just a win for Republicans. It is a win for all South Texas.”

She later said in her speech, “Tonight is a victory for every woman that has to go to Mexico for a mammogram because, after 119 years of one party’s control, we still have entire counties here without a doctor.”

As Republicans will remain in control of the House, many current members have filed to run for Speaker of the Texas House, including Representatives Chris Paddie of Marshall, Geanie Morrison of Victoria, Trent Ashby of Lufkin, and current Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont.

As previously covered by The Dallas Express, Tony Tinderholt of Arlington recently filed to run for Speaker as well.

The GOP will also increase its Texas Senate majority by at least one seat after State Representative Phil King of Weatherford won Senate District 10, formerly held by Democrat Beverly Powell.

District 10 used to be entirely within Tarrant County, but its lines were redrawn last year, and it was dispersed to the west and to the south. Though Powell had filed for reelection, she quit the race in April, claiming the district was now “unwinnable” for her as a Democrat.

Following King’s victory, Republicans will now hold 19 of the 31 state senate seats.