Texas Primary Runoff Set for May 26

Voters will return to the polls to decide several races that did not have a clear winner in the March primary.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Before the November 2026 midterm elections, several Texas primary races will head to a runoff election on May 26, 2026. In a Texas primary, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers advance to a runoff. Voters will have to stay with the party they voted for in the March 3 primary to participate in the runoff.

Why it matters

Runoff elections can be critical in determining which candidates advance to the general election, making voter turnout and engagement in these races important for the ultimate outcome. The Texas primary runoff will help shape the ballot for the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections.

The details

The Texas primary runoff election will be held on May 26, 2026. Voters will have to have participated in the March 3 primary to be eligible, and they must stick with the same party they voted for previously. Several key races did not have a clear winner in the initial primary and will now be decided in the runoff.

  • The Texas primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The Texas primary runoff election will be held on May 26, 2026.
  • The last day to register to vote in the runoff is April 27, 2026.
  • The last day to apply to vote by mail is May 15, 2026.
  • Early voting for the runoff will be held from May 18-22, 2026.

The players

Texas Voters

Registered voters in Texas who participated in the March 3 primary election and will now have the opportunity to vote in the May 26 runoff.

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What’s next

The winners of the Texas primary runoff election on May 26 will advance to the November 3, 2026 midterm general election.

The takeaway

The Texas primary runoff on May 26 will be a critical step in determining the candidates that will appear on the ballot for the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections, making voter participation in this election an important factor in shaping the future political landscape.