With Texas’ primary election exactly one month away on March 3, candidates across the state are entering the most competitive phase of their campaigns. The primary will determine which contenders advance within their respective parties for races ranging from the U.S. Senate and statewide executive offices to legislative seats and local boards. Several high-profile contests are already shaping the political narrative ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched election cycle.
At the top of the ballot is the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, one of the most competitive races in the state. Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is seeking another term but faces two well-known challengers: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38). Each candidate brings a distinct base of support, making the race a focal point for both Texas Republicans and national political observers.
President Donald Trump has publicly floated the possibility of endorsing a candidate in the race, an endorsement that could significantly influence the Republican primary electorate. However, Trump has not yet thrown his support behind any of the three candidates. As a result, Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt appear to be actively positioning themselves to appeal to Trump-aligned voters while also courting the broader Republican base. The lack of an endorsement has kept the contest fluid and highly competitive heading into March.
Paxton’s Senate run has also opened a crowded Republican primary for Texas attorney general. Several high-profile candidates are vying to replace him, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21), former U.S. Department of Justice appointee Aaron Reitz, and state Sens. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston). With no incumbent in the race, the contest has quickly emerged as one of the most closely watched down-ballot primaries.
Endorsements have begun to shape the attorney general race. Paxton has endorsed Reitz as his preferred successor, while U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has backed Roy, who previously served as Cruz’s first chief of staff. Reitz also worked as Cruz’s chief of staff before later serving in the Department of Justice. These overlapping alliances highlight the influence of established political networks within Texas Republican politics.
On the Democratic side of the U.S. Senate race, candidates are ramping up messaging as the primary approaches. State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) are competing for the Democratic nomination in a race that has largely remained policy-focused so far. Both candidates are seeking to energize Democratic voters while positioning themselves for a challenging general election.
Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32), the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024, withdrew from the 2026 race the same day Crockett announced her candidacy in early December. Allred has since endorsed Crockett over Talarico. In a video posted earlier this week, Allred said he had learned of an alleged statement attributed to Talarico that he described as inappropriate. While the Democratic primary has avoided sustained personal attacks, the incident has drawn attention as the race enters its final weeks.
Other statewide races are also taking shape. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) is on the ballot in 2026 but faces no major Republican challengers in the March primary. Democrats will choose between state Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) and Marcos Vélez, an assistant director with United Steelworkers District 13, to face Patrick in the general election.
One of the more contentious Republican primaries involves incumbent Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who is being challenged by Nate Sheets. Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed Sheets, adding significance to the race given Abbott’s long-standing political tension with Miller. The contest reflects broader disagreements within the party over leadership style and policy direction.
Beyond statewide offices, the primary will shape the composition of the Texas Legislature. All 150 seats in the Texas House are up for election due to the chamber’s two-year terms, although not all incumbents face primary challengers. Sixteen Texas Senate seats are also on the ballot this year, reflecting the Senate’s four-year term structure.
Voters will also decide races for the Texas State Board of Education, with eight districts—2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14—up for election. While these races often receive less attention, the board plays a significant role in setting curriculum standards and education policy across the state.
At the top of the executive branch, Gov. Greg Abbott faces Republican primary challenger Pete “Doc” Chambers, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and Green Beret who now leads a Texas-based ministry. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) is the most prominent gubernatorial candidate, joined by former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell and Bobby Cole, a retired firefighter and livestock rancher.
With early voting approaching and campaigns intensifying, the March 3 primary is set to define the political landscape in Texas for the remainder of the election cycle. The outcomes will determine party nominees and offer insight into voter priorities heading into the general election later this year.
