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Texas Kicks Off 2026 Midterm Primaries with Heated Senate Races
Voters to choose nominees for U.S. Senate, governor, and other state offices in Tuesday's primaries
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Texas voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to kick off the 2026 midterm election cycle, with hotly contested primaries for U.S. Senate and other statewide offices. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and the outcomes in Texas could play a key role in determining control of the chamber. Voters will also choose nominees for governor, state legislature, and U.S. House seats, with new district maps that could impact the balance of power.
Why it matters
The Texas primaries will be an early test of the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms, which historically have favored the party not in the White House. Democrats are hoping to put Texas in play, but face an uphill climb in a state that has not elected a statewide Democratic candidate since 1994. The Senate races in particular will be closely watched, as Republicans look to defend their majority and Democrats seek to gain ground.
The details
In the Republican Senate primary, incumbent John Cornyn faces a challenge from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and others, in a race that has focused on Cornyn's conservative credentials. On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are competing for the nomination. Voters will also choose nominees for governor, with incumbent Republican Greg Abbott facing 10 challengers in his bid for a fourth term, while the Democratic field includes former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. Further down the ballot, U.S. House candidates are competing in new congressional districts redrawn by state Republicans, which could impact the balance of power in Congress.
- Polls close statewide at 7 p.m. local time, but the state is split into two time zones. Polls in most of Texas close at 8 p.m. ET, while polls in the westernmost part of the state close at 9 p.m. ET.
- The AP will not make any race calls in statewide contests until the last polls close at 9 p.m. ET.
The players
John Cornyn
Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, seeking renomination in a contested primary.
Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General, challenging Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary.
Jasmine Crockett
U.S. Representative, running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
James Talarico
Texas state Representative, also running for the Democratic Senate nomination.
Greg Abbott
Republican incumbent Governor of Texas, seeking a fourth term.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
The Texas primaries will be an early indicator of the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms, with high-stakes Senate and gubernatorial races that could shape the balance of power in Congress and the state. The outcomes will be closely watched by both parties as they jockey for position in a key battleground state.
