By Nate Williams

Tensions are high in the downtown Dallas Hyatt Regency’s Landmark Ballroom as tonight’s election results show Donald Trump performing well. And with key battleground states separated only by a single percentage point, some Democrats are feeling pressure.

“It’s making me incredibly uneasy,” said Michael Donaldson, an information technology programmer attending a watch party sponsored by the Dallas County Democratic Party. “They are projecting that Trump has a lead whenever only rural areas have been counted, which makes it seem early on like Hillary is in a severe disadvantage. They simply haven’t counted the areas in which she’s strongest.

“Other watch party attendees continue to hold out hope, as they feel it is too early to count Hillary out.

“It’s not surprising,” said Maribel Roca. “I knew the South was going to go to the GOP and some of the battleground states, but it’s too early. No reason to panic. If you panic, you drown.”

Earlier in the evening, the mood was much more jubilant as the doors of the Landmark Ballroom opened and an eruption of faithful supporters flooded the quiet room. Two large projectors played both CNN and NBC simultaneously for everyone to see. Giggles and laughter filled the room.

Students from the State of Texas Democratic student club made an appearance to see if their volunteer work paid off.

“There are a lot of studies that show engaging youth not only in politics, but also civic engagement increases their likelihood to vote as adults and to become more informed on issues,” said Sophia Alejandro, 17, co-founder of the Collin County High School Democrats chapter.