It’s election day in Texas, with voters across the state casting ballots to determine who will represent their parties on the November ballot. While much of the attention has centered on two high-profile primaries for U.S. Senate, there are several other consequential contests that could shape the state’s political direction for years to come.
From record-breaking spending in the Republican Senate primary to a rare competitive Democratic statewide race, and from an open attorney general’s seat to a slate of contests reflecting the ongoing influence of Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump, the stakes are high up and down the ballot.
Below are five major storylines to watch as results begin to come in.
The Republican Senate Primary: A Costly Clash
The Republican primary for U.S. Senate has become one of the most expensive in American history, with more than $70 million spent to boost incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, faces a significant challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston.
Cornyn, who has never lost a race in his decades-long political career, argues that Paxton’s history of legal and ethical controversies makes him a liability for Republicans in a general election. Paxton, in turn, contends that Cornyn does not align closely enough with the state’s increasingly conservative grassroots voters. Hunt has positioned himself as a candidate with strong conservative credentials but without the political baggage of his rivals, though his campaign has drawn criticism for missed votes in Congress as he campaigned statewide.
With three well-known candidates in the race, polls have consistently shown no contender reaching the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff. A May 26 runoff appears likely, extending what has already been a months-long and sharply contested campaign.
The race is also viewed as a test of the ongoing tension within Texas Republican politics between establishment figures and candidates aligned more closely with the party’s right flank. Though all three candidates have highlighted their records supporting Trump, the former president has not endorsed any of them in this contest.
A Rare Competitive Democratic Statewide Primary
On the Democratic side, voters are choosing between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin in what is the party’s first truly competitive statewide primary in Texas in decades.
Both candidates are seen as rising figures within the Democratic Party and are making distinct arguments about how to compete in a state that has long favored Republicans in statewide elections. Talarico has emphasized outreach to independent and right-leaning voters, framing his campaign around what he calls a broad, faith-inflected appeal. Crockett has focused on energizing the Democratic base and mobilizing voters she believes have been disengaged in recent cycles, emphasizing a combative stance toward Trump and national Republican leaders.
The race intensified in the final weeks, with outside groups and online commentators amplifying attacks against both candidates. Republicans have also intervened indirectly, seeking to influence the outcome under the belief that one nominee might be more advantageous for the GOP in November.
Early voting turnout on the Democratic side has been notably high. According to VoteHub, more than 1.5 million voters cast ballots during the early voting period—more than double the early turnout from the last midterm election. That surge may reflect heightened interest driven by the competitive Senate primary.
A third candidate, Ahmed Hassan, remains on the ballot, though he has polled at low levels. His presence makes a runoff mathematically possible if neither Crockett nor Talarico surpasses 50% of the vote.
The Open Attorney General’s Race
Paxton’s decision to run for Senate has created an open contest for attorney general for the first time in over a decade. The office has grown in prominence under Paxton, who turned it into a central player in conservative legal battles nationwide.
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton are widely viewed as the leading candidates. Roy entered the race with early advantages, but Middleton, a wealthy oil and gas executive, has invested nearly $12 million of his own money into the campaign, narrowing the polling gap. A runoff between the two appears likely.
Other GOP candidates include state Sen. Joan Huffman and former Paxton deputy Aaron Reitz. Paxton has endorsed Reitz, though polling has shown him in the low single digits.
On the Democratic side, state Sen. Nathan Johnson, former Galveston mayor Joe Jaworski, and Dallas attorney Tony Box are competing for their party’s nomination. That race is also expected to proceed to a runoff.
Given the attorney general’s role in high-profile litigation and policy disputes, the outcome could have national implications.
Abbott vs. Trump: An Endorsement Test
Although Abbott’s name appears only once on the ballot this year, his influence is evident in multiple primaries where his endorsements diverge from those of Trump.
In the race for agriculture commissioner, Abbott has endorsed Nate Sheets, a businessman challenging incumbent Sid Miller, who has held the office since 2015. Trump, after remaining neutral for months, recently endorsed Miller. Despite past controversies, Miller has previously defeated well-funded primary challengers and has led in recent polling.
In the comptroller’s race, former state Sen. Kelly Hancock, currently serving in an interim capacity, has Abbott’s backing. His chief rival, former state Sen. Don Huffines, has secured endorsements from several Republican leaders, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump. Public polls have shown Huffines leading, with Hancock trailing.
The comptroller’s office, often described as the state’s chief financial officer, plays a central role in estimating revenue, collecting taxes and distributing state funds. It is also tasked with implementing a new $1 billion voucher program allowing parents to use public funds for private school tuition—a policy victory for Abbott after years of political battles.
Abbott has also endorsed state Reps. Briscoe Cain and John Lujan in congressional primaries. Both face challengers who have drawn support from Trump, underscoring the broader contest for influence within the Texas GOP.
Congressional Map Changes and Down-Ballot Contests
Beyond the marquee races, both parties are watching closely as voters select nominees for Texas’ 38 U.S. House seats. After Republicans redrew the congressional map last summer, several districts are expected to be competitive in November.
Primary results will offer early clues about candidate strength, ideological positioning, and potential general election dynamics. In some districts, incumbents face challenges from within their own party, reflecting ideological divisions similar to those playing out statewide.
As polls close and vote totals begin to emerge, the outcomes of these contests will shape not only the November ballot but also the broader trajectory of Texas politics. With possible runoffs looming in multiple races, Tuesday may mark the end of one chapter—but the beginning of another in an already eventful election cycle.
