Three Democrats Vie for Open Texas House Seat

District 30 primary winner expected to easily win general election

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:22pm

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The Democratic primary race for Texas's 30th Congressional District features three candidates vying for the open seat: Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, Barbara Mallory Caraway, and Rodney LaBruce. The district, which was redrawn in 2025, is heavily Democratic, meaning the primary winner will be heavily favored in the general election.

Why it matters

Texas's 30th Congressional District is a solidly Democratic seat, so the winner of the Democratic primary will likely represent the district in Congress for the next two years. The race provides an opportunity for new leadership and a chance to address issues important to the district's constituents.

The details

The three Democratic candidates are Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, a prominent Dallas pastor and civil rights advocate; Barbara Mallory Caraway, a former state representative and city council member; and Rodney LaBruce, a Dallas pastor running on social justice and economic inequality platforms. Haynes leads the field in fundraising, having brought in over $158,000 as of the last FEC filing, while Caraway has raised around $15,000 and LaBruce about $2,000.

  • The Democratic primary election will be held on May 6, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The players

Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III

The senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, a large Black church with over 13,000 members. Haynes has been an advocate for civil rights and social justice in Dallas and previously led the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Barbara Mallory Caraway

A former Texas state representative and member of the Dallas City Council, Caraway is touting her legislative experience as the only candidate in the race with such a background.

Rodney LaBruce

A Dallas pastor running on social justice and economic inequality issues, promising to "bridge the gap between the wealthy and the rest of us" and ensure "every voice is heard."

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What they’re saying

“I bring an outside vision, one forged by organizing, listening, building coalitions, confronting injustice, and standing with working families.”

— Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, Candidate (Campaign website)

“I'm focused on bridging the gap between the wealthy and the rest of us, bringing meaningful change, and ensuring every voice is heard.”

— Rodney LaBruce, Candidate (Campaign website)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election will be held on May 6, 2026, and the general election is scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The Democratic primary for Texas's 30th Congressional District features a diverse field of candidates vying for an open seat in a solidly Democratic district. The winner of the primary will be heavily favored to win the general election, making this race an important opportunity for new leadership and a chance to address the concerns of the district's constituents.