Texans across the state are casting ballots today, Tuesday, March 3, in the 2026 primary elections, with polling places open statewide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The primaries will determine which Republican and Democratic candidates appear on the November general election ballot in some of the most consequential races Texas has seen in years.
The race drawing the most attention is the contest for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. On the Republican side, Cornyn faces a tough challenge from state Attorney General Ken Paxton, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, and five other candidates. On the Democratic side, Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is squaring off against state Rep. James Talarico of Austin.
In the race for governor, incumbent Greg Abbott faces 10 Republican challengers in his bid for a fourth term. The Democratic field includes former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, and six other active candidates.
Further down the ballot, several Republicans are competing for attorney general to succeed Paxton, who is running for Senate: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, state Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, and Aaron Reitz, a former top DOJ official. In the Democratic primary, state Sen. Nathan Johnson is among the candidates.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is seeking a fourth term and faces three challengers in the Republican primary, while the Democratic field includes three candidates, among them state Rep. Vikki Goodwin.
Texas' U.S. House contests are especially notable this cycle after Republican state lawmakers redrew congressional lines at President Trump's urging in 2025. All 150 seats in the Texas House and 16 Texas Senate seats are also on the ballot this year.
More than 18.6 million Texans are registered to vote in today's primaries, a new record high. During the early voting period that ran Feb. 17–27, nearly 2.3 million votes were cast statewide - a turnout rate of about 12.3%.
Texas uses an open primary system, meaning voters can choose whether to participate in the Republican or Democratic primary when they arrive at their polling place. To win outright, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. If no candidate clears that threshold, the top two finishers will meet in a runoff election on May 26.
Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, and no Texas Democrat has won a U.S. Senate race since 1988 - but the party is hoping this midterm cycle, when the president's party typically loses congressional seats, could begin to change the dynamics.
Results are expected to begin coming in after polls close at 7 p.m. Tune in to KRLD tomorrow morning for complete results, analysis, and details on any races headed to the May 26 runoff.
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