Texas has an unusually large slate of competitive races for the state Legislature and U.S. House this year. Here’s our list of contests to watch.
Graphics and data reporting
The Tribune is an authoritative source for providing user-friendly databases of public information. Our reporters and software engineers collaborate to present a full picture for readers, giving them the tools to be more thoughtful, productive and engaged citizens. We also use data to help tell other compelling stories about politics and policy in Texas.
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Graphics and data reporting
Use our updated database to see what state employees in Texas are paid, as of October 2026
The Texas Tribune’s database of state employees’ compensation has been updated to include salaries as of October 1.
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2026 Texas Elections
Tracking the money raised and spent in the U.S. Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton
See the latest fundraising totals, where the money is coming from and how super PACs are spending in what’s poised to be Texas’ most expensive Senate race.
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2026 Texas Elections
Most polls have Talarico ahead of Paxton in the U.S. Senate race
We’re tracking all major polls in the U.S. Senate race to give Texans a fuller picture of where this race is headed. Paxton has been consistently trailing in the polls, but the margins are tight.
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2026 Texas Elections
Six charts that explain how Texas’ suburbs became a midterm battleground
The state’s fast-growing suburban counties have gotten bigger, more diverse and bluer over time.
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Data Centers in Texas
Despite tough talk from Abbott and Paxton, Texas penalties for data center violations are light
Texas officials are promising tougher enforcement on data centers, but the existing law may offer limited leverage over the industry that has largely failed to report its water use.
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2026 Texas Elections
Early voting runs through Oct. 30. Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas.
Voters will weigh in on dozens of races, including U.S. senator, governor and many other offices.
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Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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Graphics and data reporting
When a rural Texas school district struggled with growth, charter schools filled the void
The state has limited how much money it gives to fast-growing school districts, creating million-dollar gaps between what is owed and what’s given.
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2026 Texas Elections
Here’s your 2026 Texas ballot for the November election
See the full list of candidates and who will be on your personal ballot on Nov. 3.
