The incumbent senator has dominated financially, thanks to an array of megadonors and dark money groups. The Tribune assembled a guide to the money behind the most expensive Senate primary ever.
2026 Texas Elections
The Texas Tribune is your 2026 elections headquarters. Check back here for everything you need to know — from what’s on the ballot to post-election analysis. Find the latest coverage and resources and be sure to join us in person or online for our election-related events.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Outside cash floods U.S House runoffs in Texas
PACs have accounted for 89% of ad spending in Texas’ congressional runoffs as crypto, AI and mystery groups flood the contests.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Here are the megadonors and dark money groups boosting James Talarico’s anti-billionaire Senate bid
As the Austin Democrat campaigns against big money in politics, he is being supported by a super PAC bankrolled by several billionaires, as well as nonprofits that do not have to disclose their funders.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn and Paxton bury each other in negative ads as Senate GOP runoff enters final stretch
The incumbent senator and his allies have massively outspent the pro-Paxton side, though polling points to a tight finish in the May 26 election.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potency
Texas voters have listed immigration and border security among their top issues for years, but recent polling found they are less of a priority than at any point in recent history.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Immigration a flashpoint in Allred-Johnson Democratic runoff
Julie Johnson labels her opponent a “flip-flopper.” Colin Allred said previous votes reflected Rio Grande Valley frustration with Biden-era border policies.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
TribCast: Previewing the primary runoffs as early voting approaches
From U.S. Senate to Railroad Commission, the TribCast dives into the most contentious races we’ll be watching on May 26
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Barack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurant
The former president greeted patrons while stopping for tacos near the University of Texas at Austin campus — a notable show of support for the Democrats atop the ticket this fall.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Christian Menefee, Alex Mealer lead Houston-area congressional runoffs, new poll finds
The two contests are among the most closely watched U.S. House runoffs in Texas. Menefee, newly elected to Congress, faces longtime Democratic Rep. Al Green in a matchup spawned by GOP redistricting.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With Trump and Talarico aligned on a gas tax holiday, Cornyn gets on board
James Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, has pushed to suspend the federal gas tax amid soaring fuel costs. Cornyn previously opposed the idea.