Democrats Alexander, Prince Headed to Runoff for East Texas U.S. House Seat

Yolanda R. Prince and Dax Alexander will compete in a Democratic primary runoff for the 1st Congressional District of Texas.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Democratic candidates Yolanda R. Prince and Dax Alexander are headed to a runoff election in the race for Texas' 1st Congressional District, an East Texas seat currently held by Republican Rep. Nathaniel Moran. Prince and Alexander advanced to the runoff after finishing in the top two in the Democratic primary, with Prince leading Alexander 45% to 22%. The district covers a large portion of East Texas, including Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, San Augustine, Shelby and Smith counties.

Why it matters

This runoff election will determine the Democratic nominee to challenge the incumbent Republican in the general election for the 1st Congressional District of Texas, which covers a significant portion of East Texas. The outcome could shift the partisan balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The details

Alexander, a Tyler-area technology professional, has emphasized expanding health care access in rural communities and strengthening education opportunities. Prince, who has worked in education, nonprofit organizations and government, has highlighted affordability, voting rights and support for rural industries as key priorities in her campaign. Both candidates have pointed to challenges facing East Texas communities, including economic pressures and limited access to services in rural areas.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on March 5, 2026.
  • The runoff election will be held on May 26, 2026, with early voting running from May 18–22.

The players

Yolanda R. Prince

A Democratic candidate who has worked in education, nonprofit organizations and government, and has highlighted affordability, voting rights and support for rural industries as key priorities in her campaign.

Dax Alexander

A Democratic candidate who is a Tyler-area technology professional, and has emphasized expanding health care access in rural communities and strengthening education opportunities as key priorities in his campaign.

Nathaniel Moran

The incumbent Republican representative for Texas' 1st Congressional District, who ran unopposed in the 2024 election.

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What they’re saying

“I decided to run after local Democrats were unable to field a candidate against Moran in the 2024 race.”

— Dax Alexander, Democratic candidate (KETK)

“I have long been involved in Democratic politics in East Texas, serving as a precinct chair, election judge and president of the Democratic Club of Smith County for about a decade.”

— Yolanda R. Prince, Democratic candidate (KETK)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic runoff will face Moran, the incumbent Republican representative, in the general election for Texas' 1st Congressional District.

The takeaway

This runoff election will be a key test for the Democratic Party in East Texas, as they seek to field a competitive challenger to the long-serving Republican incumbent in a district that has historically leaned conservative.