TribCast: Previewing the 2026 Texas primaries

On Feb. 24, a week before Election Day, we heard from political strategists on where the state's most consequential races stand and what their outcomes could mean for Texas

by Texas Tribune Events Staff Feb. 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CentralFeb. 24, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central

TribCast co-hosts Matthew Watkins and Eleanor Klibanoff, along with a panel of special guests, gathered Tuesday in Austin for a discussion of where the state’s most consequential primaries stand and what their outcomes could mean for Texas.

Did Stephen Colbert boost James Talarico’s bid for U.S. Senate? What do we make of high Democratic turnout so far? And what’s at stake in the GOP primary for attorney general?

Speakers included:

• Republican strategist Jason Villalba, CEO, Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation; former state representative, R-Dallas

• Democratic strategist Luke Warford, founding partner, Agave Fund Democratic Infrastructure Fund; director, Texas Public Opinion Research

Learn more about the 2026 Texas Primary with the Tribune’s Texas Votes 2026 Voter Guide.

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