Texas Primaries See Incumbents Challenged, Runoffs Extend Fights

Voters eager for change shake up political landscape in Texas primaries

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Tuesday's primaries across Texas saw incumbents like Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee face serious challenges, while new political dynamics played out. The Republican Senate primary is heading to a runoff, as is a close Democratic House race, highlighting broader lessons about the state of national politics and the power of President Trump's endorsement.

Why it matters

These primary results reflect the broader political climate, with voters itching for change and new leadership. The tight races and runoffs show the divisions within both parties, as well as the enduring influence of Trump on the GOP. The outcomes could have significant implications for the general election, as Democrats look to hold on to key seats and Republicans aim to regain control of Congress.

The details

In the Republican Senate primary, four-term incumbent John Cornyn is headed to a runoff against state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cornyn fell short of the majority needed to win outright, as Paxton argued he is better equipped to motivate the MAGA base. Meanwhile, in a Democratic House primary, state Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett, with Talarico pitching a populist, economic-focused message. And in another House race, Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw lost his primary to state Rep. Steve Toth after Crenshaw had criticized Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

  • The Republican Senate primary runoff will be held on May 26.
  • The general election is scheduled for November 5, 2026.

The players

John Cornyn

A four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing a runoff against Ken Paxton.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Texas Attorney General who is headed to a runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

James Talarico

A Democratic state representative who defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a House primary, pitching a populist, economic-focused message.

Valerie Foushee

A two-term Democratic U.S. Representative who narrowly leads her primary challenger, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam.

Dan Crenshaw

A Republican U.S. Representative who lost his primary to state Rep. Steve Toth after criticizing Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

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What they’re saying

“Elections are about choices, and the choice in the Republican race for the U.S. Senate is crystal clear. I've worked for decades to build the Republican Party, both here in Texas and nationally. I refuse to allow a flawed, self-centered, and shameless candidate like Ken Paxton risk everything we've worked so hard to build over these many years.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (nbcnewyork.com)

“Texans want new leadership. They want someone with a proven record of fighting and winning for them, and that's exactly what I'm going to deliver. Because for too long, John Cornyn has turned his back on us.”

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

What’s next

The Republican Senate primary runoff between Cornyn and Paxton will be held on May 26, with the winner advancing to the general election in November.

The takeaway

These primary results highlight the deep divisions within both parties, as voters seek change and new leadership. The tight races and runoffs demonstrate the enduring influence of President Trump on the GOP, as well as the rise of populist, economic-focused messages on the Democratic side. The outcomes could have significant implications for the general election, as both parties jockey for control of Congress.