Texas Senate candidates rally voters ahead of early voting

Jasmine Crockett and Wesley Hunt energize their bases as March 3 primaries approach

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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With the March 3 primary elections in Texas just two weeks away, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett and Republican candidate Wesley Hunt are rallying their supporters ahead of early voting, which begins on Tuesday and runs through February 27. Both candidates are hoping to secure spots in what are expected to be runoff elections in late May.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is seen as a crucial battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with the winner potentially playing a key role in determining the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Strong voter turnout in the primaries could set the stage for a highly competitive general election.

The details

At campaign events on Presidents Day, Crockett told supporters in Dallas that "this majority minority state can make a difference, not just for Texas, but for the entire country." Meanwhile, Hunt expressed his message to Republicans in Dallas, saying "I think it's time for us to turn the page on career politicians" and touting his support for term limits. Both candidates are hoping to capitalize on energized bases as they seek to advance to the general election.

  • Early voting runs from Tuesday, February 24 until Friday, February 27.
  • The March 3 primary elections are just two weeks away.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Texas, currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Texas's 30th congressional district.

Wesley Hunt

Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Texas, a former U.S. Army officer who has served in Congress for the past three years.

John Cornyn

Incumbent four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas.

Ken Paxton

Republican Attorney General of Texas, also running for the U.S. Senate.

James Talarico

Democratic State Representative from Austin, also running for the U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's time for us to turn the page on career politicians.”

— Wesley Hunt, Republican U.S. Senate candidate (CBS News Texas)

“You will have my voice if you do what you're supposed to do. I'm here to tell you that this majority minority state can make a difference, not just for Texas, but for the entire country.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate (CBS News Texas)

“It shows that the parties are energized, that their bases are energized, that folks are really paying attention and keyed into what's happening in the spring, gearing up for November.”

— Kardal Coleman, Chairman of the Dallas County Democratic Party (CBS News Texas)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Texas Senate race is shaping up to be a crucial battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with both Democratic and Republican candidates working to energize their bases and drive strong voter turnout in the primaries. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.