The former state senator from Dallas challenged Gov. Greg Abbott from the right four years ago. He’s now in line to oversee the $1 billion voucher program championed by the governor.
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.
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2026 Texas Elections
Pro-gambling interests fail to gain ground in Texas primaries as legislative roadblocks remain
Despite slow progress, casino empire Las Vegas Sands promised to continue investing in candidates who support bringing destination resort casinos to Texas.
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Tony Gonzales drops reelection bid amid pressure over affair scandal
The San Antonio Republican was pushed into a runoff in the primary for his border district. Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP members had called on him to exit the race.
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2026 Texas Elections
Green, Menefee are headed for runoff in Houston clash of Democratic incumbents
Newly drawn political maps put the incumbents into the same congressional district.
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2026 Texas Elections
Mayes Middleton, Chip Roy advance to runoff for GOP attorney general nomination
With a self-funded ad surge, Middleton overcame Roy’s initial frontrunner status, taking a commanding lead but falling short of the majority needed to win outright.
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2026 Texas Elections
Speaker Mike Johnson and House leadership ask Tony Gonzales to drop reelection bid
The call from party leadership in Congress arrived a day after the San Antonio congressman admitted to the affair for the first time.
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2026 Texas Elections
Paxton says he’d consider dropping out of Senate runoff if Republicans pass voter ID bill
President Donald Trump, who was neutral in the first round, said he would endorse “soon” in the runoff between Paxton and GOP incumbent John Cornyn and would expect the candidate he did not endorse to drop out.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas primary voters smash recent midterm turnout records
Turnout in the Democratic primary outpaced that on the Republican side for the first time since 2020, a notable distinction given the draw of high-profile Senate primaries in both parties.
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2026 Texas Elections
Who is Steve Toth, the outspoken state House hardliner who wiped out incumbent Dan Crenshaw?
The Texas state representative is part of a band of conservatives known for antagonizing Republican leadership and working to push the state further right.
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2026 Texas Elections
With Trump endorsement looming, Cornyn and Paxton prepare for “knife fight” in Senate runoff
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.
