The president could scramble the traditional assumptions about a runoff if he carries out his promise to make an endorsement “soon” and urge whoever he snubs to drop out.
Patrick Svitek
Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Big money moved the needle and down-ballot chaos reigned in Texas’ action-packed primaries
Two blockbuster Senate primaries dominated attention, chaos reigned in down-ballot races and an intense runoff season looms.
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Politics
Multiple U.S. House members face setbacks in Texas primaries
U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, was defeated and four other incumbents — Democrats and Republicans — found themselves in close races or runoffs as votes were still being counted early Wednesday.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Trump floods Texas primaries with his endorsements, testing limits of political reach
While he has stayed out of some blockbuster contests, the president has otherwise spread his endorsement generously in Texas. The strategy has helped him form politically beneficial alliances in the past.
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2026 Texas Elections
Republican meddling roils Senate Democratic primary in final days
A super PAC supporting James Talarico is running ads online warning that the GOP is “boosting” Jasmine Crockett. Her spokesperson said Republicans “who underestimate her do so at their own peril.”
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2026 Texas Elections
Tony Gonzales heads into Election Day with political future imperiled, Democrats eyeing his district
Both parties are contemplating the notion of Brandon Herrera, a gun-loving YouTuber with a history of provocative comments, as the GOP nominee. Herrera says he can win in November.
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Politics
Kamala Harris makes last-minute pitch for Jasmine Crockett with robocall
The call gives Crockett a jolt of support from one of her party’s biggest stars in the home stretch of her Senate Democratic primary against state Rep. James Talarico.
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2026 Texas Elections
With his personal life under scrutiny, Ken Paxton’s family defends his character in Senate race
After Sen. John Cornyn ran ads about his rival’s alleged infidelity, Paxton countered with a spot featuring his daughter, who cited her father’s “genuine love for his family” in an op-ed.
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2026 Texas Elections
Flores vs. Flores: GOP primary for South Texas congressional seat hinges on who can beat the Democrats
Mayra Flores argues her “battle scars” make her the best bet to beat Democrat Vicente Gonzalez. Eric Flores says his opponent is a proven “loser” after back-to-back defeats.
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2026 Texas Elections
Trump expected to visit Corpus Christi on Friday, days before Texas primary
The president’s visit could be heavy on political overtones, as he has endorsed dozens of Republicans in their March 3 congressional and legislative primaries.