Texas Senate Candidates Make Final Push Before Primary

Republicans fight to avoid upset, Democrats see opportunity in high-stakes race

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A heated U.S. Senate race in Texas is entering its final stretch before voters decide on Tuesday who will be their party's nominee in November. Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is fighting challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, while Democrats see an opening to win a Senate seat in the state for the first time since 1988 with candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a high-profile contest that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans are working to hold their slim majority, while Democrats view Texas as a potential pickup opportunity. The primary outcome could also have implications for the state's political landscape and the direction of the Republican Party.

The details

Cornyn, the Republican incumbent, is trying to fend off primary challenges from Paxton and Hunt. Paxton is popular with Trump supporters but has faced legal troubles, while Hunt is also vying for the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, Crockett, a U.S. Representative, and Talarico, a state legislator, are competing for their party's nod. Talarico has raised more money than Crockett and is emphasizing his crossover appeal to Republicans. The race has seen record-breaking fundraising and advertising spending, with Cornyn's campaign and allied groups accounting for over $67 million in spending.

  • The Texas primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.
  • If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote on March 5, the primary will proceed to a runoff between the top two vote-getters on May 26, 2026.

The players

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, who is seeking to avoid being the first GOP senator from the state to lose a primary election.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General, who is challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination and is popular with Trump supporters, but has faced legal problems that led to his impeachment three years ago.

Wesley Hunt

A U.S. Representative who is also running for the Republican Senate nomination.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative and the Democratic candidate who is stressing her federal experience and was endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

James Talarico

A state legislator and the other Democratic candidate who is emphasizing his crossover appeal to Republicans and has raised more money than Crockett.

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What they’re saying

“Complacency is a killer. It kills relationships. It kills careers.”

— John Cornyn, Republican U.S. Senator (latimes.com)

“I'm not going up to Washington, D.C., to join the swamp club. I will go up there and fight for you.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (latimes.com)

What’s next

If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote on March 5, the primary will proceed to a runoff between the top two vote-getters on May 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The high-stakes Texas Senate race has seen record-breaking fundraising and advertising spending, reflecting the national importance of the contest. The outcome could have significant implications for control of the U.S. Senate and the direction of the Republican Party in the state.