The political landscape in Texas is set to be highly dynamic leading up to the 2026 elections. In the wake of significant developments in 2025, various races are shaping up to attract attention and voter engagement.
Top Texas Political Stories to Watch in 2026
Senate Race Dynamics
One of the most anticipated races is for the Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn. Cornyn faces intense competition in the Republican primary, especially from Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton, who announced his Senate bid in April 2025, has criticized Cornyn for being disconnected from conservative values.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt has also entered the race, presenting himself as a fresh alternative. This primary battle is expected to go to a runoff, extending the election drama into May.
Democratic Aspirations in the Senate
Democrats are rallying behind two candidates for the Senate seat. Dallas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Austin state Rep. James Talarico are set to compete in the March primary. Their hope is to capitalize on Republican divisions and the historical challenges Democrats face in Texas statewide elections.
Attorney General Replacement Race
Ken Paxton’s decision to run for Senate opens up a new contest for Texas Attorney General. Four Republicans are vying for this significant position. Notable candidates include U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and State Sen. Mayes Middleton, who is investing heavily in his campaign.
- U.S. Rep. Chip Roy – Endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz.
- State Sen. Mayes Middleton – Conservative with substantial self-funding.
- State Sen. Joan Huffman – Emphasizes her legal experience.
- Aaron Reitz – Former aide to Paxton, running on a MAGA platform.
Impact of Latino Voters
Latino voters are pivotal in the upcoming elections. Recent trends show the GOP gaining support among this demographic, especially along the Texas-Mexico border. However, it’s uncertain whether this trend will hold, given growing discontent due to immigration policies under the Trump administration.
New Congressional Map
A significant development is the newly drawn congressional map that aims to create five Republican-leaning districts. This redistricting has generated mixed reactions. While Republicans hope to secure additional seats, Democrats believe they can contest at least three of these districts.
- District 28 – Incumbent Henry Cuellar.
- District 34 – Vicente Gonzalez is the current representative.
- District 35 – A new San Antonio-based seat with no incumbent.
Legislative Challenges and Opportunities
Democrats are also focusing on legislative races, hoping a backlash against President Trump could lead to a “blue wave.” They aim to flip several key Texas House seats. Currently, Republicans hold a significant majority, controlling 88 of the 150 seats.
- Target Districts:
- House District 34 – Denise Villalobos (R) won by 11 points.
- House District 37 – Janie Lopez (R) won by 10 points.
- House District 112 – Angie Chen Button (R) won by 8 points.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, these stories will play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative in Texas. The state’s dynamics reflect broader trends in the national political landscape, making it a focal point for attention and analysis.
