- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Texas Senate Candidates Make Final Pitches to Voters
Bitter and expensive Republican and Democratic primaries set the stage for a crucial Senate race in the 2026 midterms.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The leading candidates in the Texas Senate primaries spent the final hours of their costly and bitter campaigns making closing arguments to voters, disparaging their opponents and weighing in on the widening war against Iran. Tuesday's primary elections in Texas mark the start of the yearlong midterm battle over which party will control Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans drawing bruising primary battles in the marquee Senate race.
Why it matters
The Texas Senate race is expected to be one of the most closely watched and expensive contests in the 2026 midterm elections, with control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance. The bitter and personal nature of the primaries on both sides foreshadows a contentious general election campaign that could further polarize the state's electorate.
The details
In the Republican contest, Senator John Cornyn faces a challenge from Ken Paxton, the state attorney general. The campaign has been especially personal, with Cornyn repeatedly highlighting allegations that Paxton had committed adultery, while Paxton hit back by reminding Republican voters of Cornyn's past criticism of former President Trump. On the Democratic side, Representatives Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are battling it out, with Talarico focusing on transcending partisan politics and Crockett questioning his readiness for the Senate.
- The Texas primary elections are scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
- The general election for the Texas Senate seat will be held on November 4, 2026.
The players
John Cornyn
The incumbent Republican Senator from Texas who is facing a primary challenge from Ken Paxton.
Ken Paxton
The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is challenging Cornyn in the primary election.
Jasmine Crockett
A Democratic Congresswoman from Texas who is running for the Senate.
James Talarico
A Democratic state legislator in Texas who is also running for the Senate.
What they’re saying
“Donald Trump's time did not pass, but yours did.”
— Ken Paxton, Republican Candidate for Senate (New York Times)
“We don't need any more performance artists. They want to be famous and then they want to raise money and call it a day.”
— John Cornyn, Republican Incumbent Senator (New York Times)
“The real fight in this country is not left versus right, it's top versus bottom.”
— James Talarico, Democratic Candidate for Senate (New York Times)
What’s next
The winners of the Texas Senate primaries will advance to the general election on November 4, 2026, where they will compete for the state's Senate seat.
The takeaway
The bitter and personal nature of the Texas Senate primaries on both the Republican and Democratic sides foreshadows a contentious general election campaign that could further polarize the state's electorate and have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
