2026 Texas Primaries: A Comprehensive Voter Guide to Statewide Races

The political landscape in Texas is set for a pivotal moment as the 2026 primary election cycle approaches. For voters across the Lone Star State, understanding the Texas 2026 primaries is the first and most crucial step in shaping the general election ballot this November. These contests determine which candidates will carry the banner for each major party in high-stakes statewide races, from the U.S. Senate to key executive offices that wield immense influence over Texas policy, budget, and legal direction. This guide provides a clear, accurate, and detailed breakdown of what’s on the ballot, why it matters, and how you can successfully cast your vote during the early voting period and on Election Day.

Introduction: The Significance of the 2026 Texas Primaries

Primary elections are the foundational contests in the American electoral system. In Texas, as in most states, they serve as the mechanism by which the Republican and Democratic parties select their standard-bearers for the general election. The outcome of the March 2026 Texas primaries will effectively decide most statewide offices, given Texas’s strong partisan lean in general elections. Therefore, the primary is often where the real electoral battle is waged, particularly in the dominant party’s primary.

This cycle is notable for several reasons. It follows the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election, meaning voter sentiment and political energy are at a peak. All nine of Texas’s statewide executive offices—from Governor and Lieutenant Governor down to less-publicized but critically important positions like the Comptroller of Public Accounts and Commissioner of the General Land Office—are up for election every four years, making this a full-slate executive election cycle. Additionally, all 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas will be on the ballot, though those are congressional district races, not statewide.

Voters will not be choosing between a Republican and a Democrat on March 4, 2026. Instead, they will be selecting which Republican or which Democrat will appear on the November ballot. In some races, if no candidate achieves a majority (over 50%) of the vote, the top two finishers—regardless of party—will advance to a runoff election in May. Understanding this threshold is key to predicting outcomes.

Key Points: What Texas Voters Need to Know

Before diving into the details, here are the essential takeaways for any Texas voter preparing for the 2026 primaries:

• Primary Election Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
• Early Voting Period: Begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and ends Friday, February 28, 2026. Early voting locations are county-wide and offer flexibility.
• Voter Registration Deadline: Must be postmarked or received by January 3, 2026, to vote in the March primary. (Texas law requires registration 30 days before an election).
• Major Party Ballots: Voters must choose either a Republican Party primary ballot or a Democratic Party primary ballot. They cannot vote in both. Voters may also choose to vote in a non-partisan “straight-party” ticket, though this option has been eliminated for general elections and may not apply to primaries; check current Texas election law closer to 2026.
• Key Statewide Races: The ballot includes contests for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, and several other executive offices.
• Runoff Scenario: If no candidate in a race receives more than 50% of the vote on March 4, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff election on May 26, 2026.
• Voter ID Requirement: Texas law requires voters to present one of seven acceptable forms of photo identification at the polling place.

Background: How Texas Primaries Work

The “Open Primary” System in Texas

Texas operates an “open primary” system. This does not mean you can vote in both party primaries. It means that a voter does not have to be registered with a political party to participate in that party’s primary. A registered voter who is unaffiliated (independent) can choose on primary election day (or during early voting) which party’s ballot they wish to vote. However, once they select a ballot in the primary, they are considered affiliated with that party for the remainder of the election cycle. This affiliation determines which party’s runoff they can vote in, should one occur. For the 2026 cycle, a voter who chooses a Republican ballot in March can only vote in the Republican runoff in May, and vice versa.

The Importance of the Majority Vote and Runoffs

Unlike some states that use a simple plurality (first-past-the-post) system, Texas requires a candidate to receive an absolute majority—over 50% of the votes cast—to win a primary outright. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the state mandates a runoff election between the top two finishers. This rule profoundly shapes campaign strategies. Candidates often aim not just to be first, but to be first by a wide enough margin to avoid a costly and unpredictable runoff. Runoffs often see the third- and fourth-place candidates’ supporters become kingmakers, as their preferences decide the ultimate winner. This dynamic makes every vote in a crowded primary field critically important.

The Statewide Executive Slate: An Overview

Texas has a plural executive system, meaning voters elect most executive officers independently, rather than having them appointed by the Governor. This diffuses power and makes each of these races significant. The offices up for election in 2026 are:

• Governor – The chief executive officer of the state.
• Lieutenant Governor – Presides over the Senate, has significant influence over legislation and budget.
• Attorney General – The state’s chief legal officer, litigates on Texas’s behalf and issues legal opinions.
• Comptroller of Public Accounts – Chief tax collector, revenue estimator, and fiscal watchdog.
• Commissioner of the General Land Office – Manages state lands and mineral rights, a major revenue source.
• Commissioner of Agriculture – Oversees agriculture, rural economic development, and consumer protection.
• Railroad Commissioner (Three seats) – Regulates the oil and natural gas industry (despite the name).
• Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court (Place 2) – Head of the state’s highest civil court.
• Justice of the Texas Supreme Court (Place 6) – An associate justice seat on the civil court.
• Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (Place 3) – A seat on the state’s highest criminal court.

Additionally, one seat for the U.S. Senate held by a Texas incumbent will be on the ballot, making it a marquee race that will draw national attention and funding.

Analysis: The 2026 Race Landscape

As of early 2025, the 2026 primary field is still developing. Incumbents hold advantages in fundraising and name recognition, but challenges from within the party are a constant feature of Texas politics, especially in the Republican primary. Here is a race-by-race analysis based on the current political environment and historical trends.

U.S. Senate

Incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn, seeking a fourth term, will face a primary challenge from the right, likely focused on his perceived moderation on certain issues and his Senate leadership role. A crowded Democratic primary is anticipated to choose a nominee to face him in November, though the general election is widely expected to favor Cornyn in this solid-red state. The primary focus will be on Cornyn’s performance in the GOP primary and the Democratic candidate’s ability to unify the party.

Governor & Lieutenant Governor

Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, both powerful incumbents, are expected to run for re-election. Their primary challenges, if any, will likely come from the far-right flank, testing the limits of the party’s conservative consensus. Their massive fundraising hauls and established political machines make them heavy favorites to win their primaries outright and avoid runoffs. The Democratic primary for these top-tier offices will be highly competitive, as the party seeks a standard-bearer who can energize the base while appealing to a broader electorate in a difficult state for Democrats.

Attorney General

This race has been a hotbed of intra-party conflict. Incumbent Ken Paxton, despite facing a serious primary challenge in 2022 and ongoing legal troubles, retains strong support among the Republican base. A well-funded challenger from the establishment wing could emerge, arguing for a less controversial figure to hold the office. The Democratic primary will be a contest to nominate a candidate with the legal stature to contrast with Paxton.

Comptroller & Land Commissioner

These races often receive less media attention but are vitally important. The Comptroller (currently Glenn Hegar) controls the state’s purse strings and economic forecasts, influencing every budget decision. The Land Commissioner (currently Dawn Buckingham) manages billions in assets from oil and gas leases on public lands. Both are likely to face primary challenges if they are seen as insufficiently conservative or if ambitious state legislators see an opening. Their re-election bids will be referendums on their stewardship and alignment with the party’s base.

Railroad Commission

With three seats on the ballot, the Railroad Commission primaries are complex. Incumbents generally have an advantage, but the oil and gas industry’s clout means these races attract significant interest and spending. The political fight is often over the appropriate regulatory stance: a pro-industry light touch versus a more active regulatory role that still supports the sector.

Practical Advice: How to Vote in the 2026 Texas Primaries

Participating in the primary is a civic duty that directly shapes your choices in November. Here is a step-by-step guide.

1. Confirm Your Voter Registration

Before anything else, verify your registration status and address. Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website or use the state’s online voter portal. The deadline to register for the 2026 primary is January 3, 2026. If you move, update your registration immediately.

2. Research the Candidates and Issues

Do not vote based on name recognition alone. Utilize non-partisan resources:

• Texas Secretary of State: Provides the official candidate list once filing deadlines pass (typically in December 2025).
• League of Women Voters of Texas: Publishes comprehensive, non-partisan voter guides (VOTE411.org).
• Local news outlets: Major Texas newspapers and TV stations will provide candidate questionnaires and coverage.
• Campaign websites and social media: Go directly to the source to understand each candidate’s platform.

Pay special attention to candidates for less-publicized offices like Comptroller and Land Commissioner, as their work directly impacts state finances and resources.

3. Understand Your Ballot and Voting Method

Early Voting (Recommended): You can vote at any early voting site in your county of residence from February 17-28, 2026. This offers maximum flexibility with typically shorter lines.

Election Day Voting: On March 4, you must vote at your designated precinct polling place, which is based on your residential address. Check your polling place location in advance.

By-Mail Voting (Absentee Voting): Texas has restrictive absentee voting laws. You may vote by mail if you will be absent from your county on Election Day and during early voting, are sick or disabled, are 65 or older, or are confined in jail. Applications must be received by the early voting clerk by February 20, 2026.

4. Prepare for the Polling Place: Voter ID

Texas law requires voters to present one of the following seven forms of photo ID:

1. Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
2. Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
3. Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
4. Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
5. United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
6. United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
7. United States passport (book or card)

If you do not have one of these forms of ID and cannot reasonably obtain one, you may sign a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration” and present a supporting document like a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or certified domestic birth certificate. For the most current information, always check the Texas Secretary of State’s voter ID page.

5. Party Affiliation and Runoffs

Remember: your choice of primary ballot (R or D) in March determines which party’s runoff you can participate in during May. If you vote in the Republican primary, you can only vote in a Republican runoff. If you vote in the Democratic primary, you can only vote in a Democratic runoff. If you skip the primary entirely, you are free to choose either party’s runoff ballot in May.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Texas Primaries

Q: Can I vote for a Democrat for one office and a Republican for another on the same primary ballot?

A: No. When you select a primary ballot at the polls, it contains only the candidates from that