John Tower was first elected in 1961 in a special election to fill LBJs seat when he became VP.
Texas went Democratic in 60 (stolen), 64, 68 (Wallace took votes from Nixon). Nixon carried the state overwhelmingly in 72. Carter, I believe, carried the state in 76. Reagan turned TX red in 80 and it’s been solidly red since.
Yes, it was 1961. Sorry. I knew that.