Talarico and Hinojosa won Texas. Here is when they are sworn in - USA Today

Although the U.S. Senate and governor's races in Texas have been called, the winners don't automatically assume the power and duties of their newly elected positions.

There is still a process for the state to officially certify the results for Democratic U.S. senator-elect James Talarico and Democratic governor-elect Gina Hinojosa before they are sworn in.

Here’s what happens next and when Talarico and Hinojosa will be sworn in.

Texas law lays out the election certification process in the state's Election Code, starting at the local level.

The law gives local election officials and governing bodies 14 days after Election Day — Nov. 17 — to canvass votes. That is when the county election results become official.

For statewide and other state elections other than governor and lieutenant governor, the law gives Gov. Greg Abbott between Nov. 21 and Dec. 7 to conduct the state canvass. Abbott then issues certificates of election to the winners.

For governor and lieutenant governor, the legislature canvasses the returns once the session opens Jan. 12, 2027, and the speaker of the Texas House declares the official results.

The answer lies in the U.S. Constitution in the 20th Amendment.

Talarico will officially take office at noon on Jan. 3, 2027, when the 120th Congress convenes and the terms of outgoing members of Congress expire.

The answer is found in the Texas Constitution, which says the governor is installed on the first Tuesday after the state Legislature meets.

That means the governor-elect will officially become governor on Jan. 19, 2027.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.