Fact Check: "Farenthold was elected in 2010, defeating a long-serving Democratic incumbent."
What We Know
Blake Farenthold was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, defeating the long-serving Democratic incumbent Solomon Ortiz. Farenthold's victory was notable, as he won by a narrow margin of 799 votes, with the final tally showing Farenthold receiving 47.85% of the vote compared to Ortiz's 47.1% (Wikipedia). This election was part of the broader Republican gains during the 2010 midterms, which were characterized by a significant shift in voter sentiment against the Democratic Party, largely in response to President Obama's policies at the time (Texas Tribune).
Analysis
The claim that Farenthold was elected in 2010 and defeated a long-serving Democratic incumbent is supported by multiple credible sources. According to Wikipedia, Farenthold's election marked a significant political shift in Texas's 27th congressional district, which had been represented by Ortiz since its creation in 1982. The election results were closely contested, and Ortiz requested a recount due to the narrow margin, but ultimately conceded (Texas Tribune).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-regarded for providing factual information. Wikipedia, while user-edited, is often cited for its comprehensive coverage of political events, and the specific details about the election are corroborated by multiple news outlets, including the Texas Tribune, which has a strong reputation for covering Texas politics (Texas Tribune).
Furthermore, the context of the election is important; redistricting after the 2010 census had made the district more favorable to Republicans, which likely contributed to Farenthold's victory (Wikipedia). This context adds depth to the understanding of the electoral dynamics at play.
Conclusion
The claim that "Farenthold was elected in 2010, defeating a long-serving Democratic incumbent" is True. The evidence clearly shows that Blake Farenthold won the election against Solomon Ortiz, who had held the seat for nearly three decades, marking a significant political shift in the district.
