2026 Election: Candidates for Texas' 21st Congressional District

A dozen candidates vie to replace Congressman Chip Roy in the U.S. House race.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A dozen candidates are on the ballot to replace Congressman Chip Roy, who is vacating his seat to run for Texas attorney general. Roy currently holds the seat for Texas' 21st Congressional District in the U.S. House, which covers areas of Gillespie County, Kerr County, and west Central Texas.

Why it matters

This open congressional seat is an important race that will determine the political representation for Texas' 21st District in the U.S. House. The primary election on March 3 will narrow down the field of candidates before the general election.

The details

Former Texas Rangers and New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is the leading candidate with endorsements from President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. Only four of his opponents have raised at least $100,000 for their campaigns. Other candidates include attorney Daniel Betts from Austin, former Kendall County GOP Chair Mike Wheeler, and Navy veteran Jason Cahill.

  • The Primary Election is on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Polls are open across the state from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The players

Mark Teixeira

The leading candidate with endorsements from President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott.

Daniel Betts

An attorney from Austin who ran against Jose Garza for Travis County District Attorney two years ago.

Mike Wheeler

The former Kendall County GOP Chair.

Jason Cahill

A Navy veteran.

Chip Roy

The current Congressman for Texas' 21st Congressional District who is vacating his seat to run for Texas attorney general.

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What’s next

The winner of the Republican primary on March 3 will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election later this year.

The takeaway

This open congressional seat in Texas' 21st District is an important race that will determine the political representation for the region in the U.S. House. The primary election on March 3 will be a key step in narrowing down the field of candidates before the general election.