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Flower Mound Today
By the People, for the People
Candidates Vie for U.S. House District 26 Seat
Voters to decide party nominees in March primary election
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Voters in Texas' 26th Congressional District will head to the polls in March to select their party's nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives seat. The district covers southern Wise County, most of Denton County, and all of Cooke County. Incumbent Republican Brandon Gill is being challenged in the primary by Democrat Ernest Lineberger, who previously ran against Gill in 2024 but lost. Lineberger is facing a primary challenge from fellow Democrat Steven Shook.
Why it matters
The race for the 26th Congressional District seat is an important one, as it could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district has historically leaned Republican, but a strong Democratic challenger could make it a competitive race in the general election. The primary will also test the appeal of the two Democratic candidates and their ability to energize the party's base.
The details
In the Democratic primary, Ernest Lineberger, a retired naval officer and engineer, is running on a platform of "Putting People's Needs First" and addressing issues like healthcare, affordability, and restoring government services. His primary challenger, Steven Shook, is a nurse practitioner who is focused on lowering healthcare and prescription drug costs, and restoring accountability in Washington.
- The Republican and Democratic primary elections are scheduled for March 3, 2026.
- Early voting for the primaries will start on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The players
Brandon Gill
The incumbent Republican U.S. Representative for Texas' 26th Congressional District.
Ernest Lineberger
A retired naval officer and engineer running as a Democrat for the 26th Congressional District seat.
Steven Shook
A nurse practitioner running as a Democrat for the 26th Congressional District seat.
What they’re saying
“We are one Community – Not Divided. I'm running for Congress for All people, Putting People's Needs First!”
— Ernest Lineberger, Democratic Candidate (Cross Timbers Gazette)
“My mission is to lower costs for North Texas families by making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable and restoring accountability in Washington. I will put people over politics and focus on practical solutions that strengthen working families, protect seniors and ensure the government works for the communities it serves.”
— Steven Shook, Democratic Candidate (Cross Timbers Gazette)
What’s next
The winners of the March 3rd primary elections will advance to the November general election, where they will face off for the 26th Congressional District seat.
The takeaway
The race for the 26th Congressional District seat is shaping up to be a competitive one, with the Democratic primary offering voters a choice between two candidates with different backgrounds and priorities. The outcome of the primary could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
