Texas Senate Primary Heats Up as Candidates Make Final Pitches

Incumbent Republican John Cornyn faces challenges from Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt, while Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico vie for the nomination.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The heated U.S. Senate race in Texas has entered its final stretch, with candidates on both sides of the aisle making last-minute pitches to voters ahead of Tuesday's primary election. Incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn is fighting to avoid becoming the first Republican senator from Texas to lose a primary, facing challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico are vying for the nomination, with Crockett emphasizing her federal experience and Talarico highlighting his crossover appeal.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate primary is the nation's first big contest of the 2026 midterm elections, and the outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Democrats are hungry to win a Senate race in Texas for the first time since 1988, but they face a crowded and competitive primary. The Republican primary is also closely watched, as Cornyn's vulnerability has raised concerns among GOP leaders about the party's ability to hold onto the seat.

The details

Cornyn's campaign schedule has been light, as he spoke at a San Antonio church with little notice and held private meetings while also raising money. Crockett, who would be the first Black woman from Texas elected to the U.S. Senate if she wins, is stressing her federal experience and is backed by prominent Black women in politics, including former Vice President Kamala Harris. Talarico, the soft-spoken seminarian, has emphasized his crossover appeal and has raised more money than Crockett, spending $13 million on television advertising this year. Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, has painted himself as a Washington outsider and a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.

  • The Texas primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote on March 3, the primary will proceed to a runoff between the top two vote recipients on May 26, 2026.

The players

John Cornyn

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

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General, who is challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination and has painted himself as a Washington outsider and a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Wesley Hunt

A U.S. Representative who is also challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative and the rhetorical brawler who is running for the Democratic nomination, emphasizing her federal experience and backed by prominent Black women in politics.

James Talarico

A State Representative and the soft-spoken seminarian who is running for the Democratic nomination, highlighting his crossover appeal and having raised more money than Crockett.

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What they’re saying

“So yes, I will clash with folk when it's time to do so but I actually govern as well.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (San Antonio Express-News)

“Thousands of people showing up to rally with us. I can't tell you how many people are coming up to me and telling me they are not a Democrat. I'm just so proud of the movement we are building.”

— James Talarico, State Representative (The Associated Press)

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

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (The Woodlands Villager)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The high-stakes Texas Senate primary has become a crucial battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with both parties vying for a seat that could tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The outcome of this race will be closely watched as it sets the stage for the general election and the broader political landscape in the years to come.