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14 candidates crowd primary race for Texas Congressional District 21
The crowded field includes 11 Republicans and 3 Democrats vying for the soon-to-be vacant seat
Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:56am
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Fourteen candidates are running in the primary race for Texas' 21st Congressional District, which includes much of north San Antonio, some of Austin's suburbs, and parts of the Hill Country. The field is led by 11 Republicans, including former MLB star Mark Teixeira, and 3 Democrats, including Kristin Hook who previously ran for the seat in 2024.
Why it matters
The 21st Congressional District has been held by only two representatives in the last 40 years, with the most recent being Chip Roy, who is not running for reelection as he eyes a run for state attorney general. The wide-open race has attracted a diverse group of candidates with a range of policy priorities, from border security and election integrity to economic issues and healthcare.
The details
The 14 candidates in the primary race include 11 Republicans - Mark Teixeira, Daniel Betts, Jason Cahill, Jacques DuBose, Zeke Enriquez, Weston Martinez, Peggy McCormick Wardlaw, Paul Rojas, Heather Tessmer, James 'Trey' Trainor, and Mike Wheeler - and 3 Democrats - Kristin Hook, Gary Taylor, and Regina Vanburg. One Republican candidate, Kyle Sinclair, has dropped out but his name will still appear on the ballot.
- The Texas primary election will be held on March 5, 2026.
The players
Mark Teixeira
A former Major League Baseball star who is leading the 11 Republicans running for the seat. He touts endorsements from President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott.
Kristin Hook
A Democratic candidate who previously ran for the 21st Congressional District in 2024, receiving about 36% of the vote. She is back in the race in 2026, vying for the soon-to-be vacant seat.
Chip Roy
The most recent representative of the 21st Congressional District, but he is not running for reelection as he eyes a run for Texas attorney general.
Lamar Smith
The representative of the 21st Congressional District for about three decades prior to Chip Roy.
Kyle Sinclair
A Republican candidate who has dropped out of the race, but his name will still appear on the ballot.
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.
