A major election is on the horizon. It is significant because many offices are on the ballot, and Democrats have fielded candidates for nearly every position, which is unusual. This election is also significant because of the specific races on the ballot. Every congressional seat is up for election, along with all statewide officeholders (including U.S. Senator John Cornyn), half of the Texas Senate, and all members of the Texas House of Representatives. Many judicial races are also on the ballot.

What should voters do?

Voters should not feel overwhelmed. Voters should pay attention and participate in the process. If you are satisfied with current state and national policies, you should support candidates who will continue those policies. If you are dissatisfied with current state and national policies, you should support candidates who will address issues differently.

Important voting dates for 2026

  • Tuesday, February 17: First day of early voting.

  • Friday, February 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail.

  • Friday, February 27: Last day of early voting.

  • Tuesday, March 3: Election Day and last day to receive a ballot by mail.

The U.S. Senate race is highly competitive in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. Significant funds are being spent by incumbent Senator John Cornyn and the Senate Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) on his behalf. As of today, the latest polls show Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leading the Republican primary, with Senator Cornyn in second place. This race will likely go to a runoff and be decided this spring. On the Democratic side, the leading candidates appear to be closely matched, and the primary will be decided on Election Day, March 3. The winners of each party’s primary will face each other in November.

Governor Greg Abbott has competition in the Republican primary and on the Democratic ballot. However, he remains the odds-on favorite to win his primary without a runoff and will be difficult to defeat in November, regardless of the Democratic nominee.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is running for reelection and faces two primary challengers. The Democratic nominee will be selected from a field of three candidates and will likely be decided in a runoff. Lieutenant Governor Patrick is expected to win his primary without a runoff and will face the Democratic nominee in the general election.

Another high-profile statewide race is the contest for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. Longtime incumbent Sid Miller faces a serious primary challenge after Governor Abbott endorsed his opponent. On the Democratic side, one candidate is unopposed and will face the winner of the Republican primary.

The Attorney General’s race is an open seat because Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate. Four Republicans and three Democrats are running for the office. Both parties’ primaries are likely to go to runoffs, with the eventual nominees facing each other in November.

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham is running unopposed in the Republican primary and will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November.

In the race for Comptroller, three Republicans are running: Governor-appointed Comptroller and former State Senator Kelly Hancock, current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, and former State Senator Don Huffines. Two Democrats are also running, including State Senator Sarah Eckhardt. The winner of the Republican runoff will face the Democratic nominee in November.

In the Texas Senate, five seats are open this cycle. Senators serve four-year terms, and half of the Senate runs each election cycle. A typical turnover rate is two to three seats. Because five seats are open, Texas will have at least five new senators in 2027. The number could be higher if incumbents lose, and all but one incumbent is facing an opponent.

All 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives are up for election because House members serve two-year terms. There are 21 open House seats, which means Texas will have at least 21 new House members. Many House races are contested in either the primary or the general election, and some incumbents may also be defeated. The House changes after every election.

There is much to consider in this election cycle. To a greater or lesser degree, these elected officials can affect your business and your personal life. You should not take anything for granted. You should meet candidates, listen to them, and ask questions. Your vote matters. Money does not decide elections; voters do. You should look beyond political advertising and do your own research. You should talk with people you trust and ask their views. You should never assume your vote does not count, because it does. Many of these races will be close, especially in the primaries. After you decide whom you support and why, you should tell your family, friends, and neighbors and encourage them to participate.

Go vote!

—TWGGA Legislative Advocate Kyle Frazier