Early voting starts in Texas runoff elections for U.S. Senate, Attorney General, and more

Early voting has officially opened in Texas’ primary runoff election, bringing a close to a contentious primary season and narrowing several party contests ahead of the November general election. Voters across the state now have a limited window to decide which candidates will advance as their party’s nominees in key statewide and congressional races.

Early voting runs from Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22, followed by Election Day on Tuesday, May 26, when polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The runoff stage follows the March 3 primary, where candidates who failed to secure a majority of the vote now face the second-place finishers in a head-to-head contest. In many districts, the primary produced a clear winner, but dozens of races advanced to runoffs for one or both parties.

One of the most closely watched contests is the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate, where incumbent John Cornyn faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The winner will become the Republican nominee in the race for U.S. Senate in November, where they are expected to face Democratic state representative James Talarico. The contest has drawn national attention, though no formal endorsement from President Donald Trump had been issued at the start of early voting, despite months of speculation about whether he would weigh in.

Several statewide offices are also on runoff ballots. In the Republican primary for Texas attorney general, state senator Mayes Middleton is competing against U.S. representative Chip Roy. On the Democratic side, the runoff features Joe Jaworski and state senator Nathan Johnson. The outcome will determine the nominees in one of Texas’ most prominent legal offices.

The Texas Railroad Commission runoff features incumbent Jim Wright facing former Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French. The Railroad Commission oversees oil and gas regulation, making it one of the most influential regulatory bodies in the state’s energy sector.

In the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, state representative Vikki Goodwin is running against Marcos Vélez. The office of lieutenant governor carries significant influence over the Texas Senate and legislative agenda.

At the congressional level, several runoffs are drawing attention across both parties. In Congressional District 9, Alex Mealer is facing state representative Briscoe Cain. In District 18, Congressman Al Green is opposed by Congressman Christian Menefee in a rare intra-party matchup between sitting federal officeholders. District 33 features Congressman Colin Allred facing U.S. representative Julie Johnson, while District 19 includes Tom Sell and Abraham Enriquez. In District 38, Jon Bonck is competing against Shelley DeZevallos.

Altogether, Texas voters are deciding outcomes in 38 runoff races across state and federal levels. Election officials are encouraging voters to review sample ballots through their county election offices to confirm their specific races and polling locations. The Texas Secretary of State’s office also provides statewide election information and voting resources for eligible voters.

Under state law, voters may only participate in the runoff election for the same party they selected during the March primary, maintaining party consistency throughout the primary and runoff process. As early voting continues, turnout in the coming days will help shape the final slate of candidates heading into November.