Fact Check: Farenthold upset a long-serving Democrat to win his seat in 2010.

Fact Check: "Farenthold upset a long-serving Democrat to win his seat in 2010."

What We Know

In the 2010 elections, Blake Farenthold, a Republican and first-time candidate, defeated Solomon Ortiz, a long-serving Democrat, in Texas's 27th Congressional District. Ortiz had held this seat since its creation in 1982, making him a significant figure in the district, which was traditionally a Democratic stronghold. Farenthold's victory was characterized as an upset, particularly given Ortiz's long tenure and previous electoral success, often winning with around 60% of the vote (The New York Times, NPR). The final margin of victory for Farenthold was approximately 650 to 800 votes, depending on the source (The New York Times, Politico).

Analysis

The claim that Farenthold upset a long-serving Democrat is supported by multiple reputable sources. The New York Times reported that Ortiz conceded defeat after a recount did not change the outcome significantly, confirming the upset nature of the election (The New York Times). NPR also highlighted the unexpected nature of Farenthold's victory, noting that it was one of the biggest surprises of the election cycle, contributing to a net gain of 62 seats for the Republican Party in the House of Representatives (NPR).

The sources used are credible, with The New York Times and NPR being well-respected news organizations known for their journalistic standards. Additionally, Politico and Texas Tribune corroborate the details of the election, emphasizing the historical context of Ortiz's long incumbency and the significance of Farenthold's win (Politico, Texas Tribune).

Overall, the evidence supports the claim that Farenthold's victory was indeed an upset against a long-serving Democrat, as it marked a significant shift in a district that had consistently elected Ortiz for nearly three decades.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Blake Farenthold upset a long-serving Democrat, Solomon Ortiz, to win his seat in 2010 is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Farenthold's victory was unexpected and marked a significant political shift in Texas's 27th Congressional District.

Sources

1. Rep. Solomon Ortiz of Texas Concedes - The New York Times
2. Ortiz and Maffei Concede House Races - The New York Times
3. Another Improbable GOP Victory: Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D) Concedes In Texas 27 - NPR
4. Blake Farenthold - Wikipedia
5. In 2010, Blake Farenthold beat a Texas Democrat who seemed invincible - Texas Tribune
6. After Upset in 'Fowl Race,' Texan Prepares for Washington - Roll Call
7. Ortiz concedes Texas House race - POLITICO