TEXAS - Democrat Doug Jones' bombshell victory in deep-red Alabama is making waves in the Lone Star State. 

"What it showed for us is that there's a clear pathway to victory," said Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director Manny Garcia 

Democrat Beto O'Rourke, who's challenging Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, echoed that in an email to supporters by saying "Next up, Texas."  O'Rourke highlighted that Donald Trump won Alabama by 28 points in 2016 and won Texas by only 9.

"A lot of people in Texas know Ted Cruz and they don't like him. Poll after poll after poll shows he's under 50 percent approval rating," Garcia said. 

Even one Republican strategist says Democrats recent wins gives them momentum and could pose a threat to the GOP's grip on Texas.

"Republicans need to keep their nose clean and work really hard to get out their vote and to make their case to their voters, and not take anything for granted," said political consultant Ray Sullivan. 

RELATED | Moore not conceding Senate race to Jones, recount possible

But Texas Republican leadership was quick to point out that scandal-plagued Roy Moore was a weak candidate. 

"I think the broad lesson to take away is to get good quality candidates and people. And here in Texas we are confident that we will have that," said Texas Republican Party Press Secretary Jamie Bennett.    

Still, the Alabama race emphasized the divisions in the GOP.

"If more mainstream voters participate in primaries, there will be fewer Roy Moores in position to hold important offices," said Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.

 Straus called on Texas voters to make similar decisions in 2018.

"Something very important happened," Straus said. "Decency trumped tribalism."