The Texas Democratic Party ceased to exist as an effective political organization Tuesday as Republican Pete Flores defeated Democrat Pete Gallego in a special election runoff to replace convicted state Senator Carlos Uresti of San Antonio in Senate District 19. The upset gives Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick a lock on the state Senate, meaning he can push any piece of legislation he wants through the body, legislation like the bathroom bill that he forced a special session over last year. The loss also portends the likelihood that Republican Will Hurd will retain the 23rd Congressional District, making it one seat more difficult for Democrats nationally to take control of the U.S. House. And who do the Democrats blame for losing a senatorial district that Hillary…The post The Texas Democratic Party Has Lost the Ability to Sell Its Brand appeared first on Texas Monthly.