Texas Senate Primaries See Surprise Upsets and Runoffs

Talarico's win and Cornyn-Paxton runoff highlight key results from the March 3 primaries

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 primary season kicked off on March 3 with key races in Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina. The big surprise was state Rep. James Talarico's victory over Rep. Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas, aided by a major fundraising advantage and a boost from TV host Stephen Colbert. In the Republican Senate race, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed for a runoff on May 26.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate primaries provided an early glimpse into the dynamics shaping the 2026 midterm elections, with high-profile races and unexpected results that could have national implications. Talarico's win over the more established Crockett suggests a shift in Democratic voter preferences, while the Cornyn-Paxton runoff highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican party.

The details

In the Democratic Senate primary, state Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a more established candidate, thanks to a major fundraising advantage and a surprise endorsement from TV host Stephen Colbert. On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton will face off in a May 26 runoff after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote.

  • The Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina primaries were held on March 3, 2026.
  • The Cornyn-Paxton Republican Senate runoff in Texas is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A state representative who won the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas, pulling off an upset victory over the more established Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican senator in Texas, who is headed to a runoff with state Attorney General Ken Paxton for the GOP Senate nomination.

Ken Paxton

The Texas state Attorney General, who will face off against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a May 26 runoff for the Republican Senate nomination.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.