Inside the texas primary: Key races and what to watch

Introduction

The texas primary is a pivotal moment for both parties in a state where control at every level of the ballot can shape November’s outcome. With high‑stakes contests for US Senate, governor, US House seats and the state legislature, internal divides and shifting strategies are already influencing campaigns. Voters and observers are paying close attention to who will top the ticket and whether runoffs will be needed to decide nominees.

Main developments and key races

Senate and statewide contests

On the Republican side, long‑time Senator John Cornyn faces hard challenges from Attorney General Ken Paxton and US Representative Wesley Hunt, turning the GOP primary into what CNN described as a fight of Cornyn’s political life. Paxton has continued to campaign actively; he spoke at an event at The Angry Elephant in Magnolia, Texas on 19 February 2026. Across the aisle, Texas Democrats are trying to win statewide office for the first time since 1994, and their Senate primary has been framed as a clash of styles and strategy.

House and legislative battles

Several high‑profile US House and state legislative primaries are also competitive. Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX‑30) is engaged in a closely contested Democratic primary with state Representative James Talarico (HD‑50); Crockett attended a rally with the Texas Organizing Project in San Antonio on 22 February. Republicans currently hold an 18–12 margin over Democrats in the Texas State Senate, a balance that both parties see as consequential for policy and control.

How the primary works and runoffs

As the San Antonio Report explains, Texas primary voters do not need to be registered with a party to cast a ballot, but they may choose only one party’s ticket when voting. If no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote in March, the top two finishers proceed to a runoff on 26 May. Sources such as 270toWin note that primaries cover offices from US Senate and governor to secretary of state and the state legislature, and that runoffs will resolve races without a majority winner.

Conclusion

The texas primary will likely determine not only nominees but the broader direction of campaigns leading into November. Close contests, potential runoffs on 26 May and the balance in the state senate mean outcomes could have lasting effects on policy and electoral strategy. For voters, understanding the single‑party ballot rule and the runoff timetable will be essential in the weeks ahead.