The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we’re watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025.
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
Dallas County Republicans abandon plan to hand-count ballots in March primary
Dallas County Republican Chairman Allen West cited cost, staffing, and logistics concerns for the decision.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas comptroller GOP primary attracts big money from donors with business before the agency
One candidate received about $1 million within an eight-day span from the head of a Dallas tax firm — and 72 of his employees — that helps corporations secure tax breaks under comptroller-run programs.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ next top lawyer: What does the attorney general do and how has Paxton remade the office?
Texans will elect a new attorney general next year for the first time in over a decade. The office handles legal matters impacting everyday life and, currently, plays a leading role in the conservative movement.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters
State Rep. James Talarico faces an uphill battle in his U.S. Senate bid while 15th Congressional hopeful Bobby Pulido aims to flip the district, but he must first win his primary.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party
Texas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious resources.”
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judge
The Fort Worth Democrat had filed to challenge GOP incumbent Tim O’Hare just before last week’s deadline to get on the 2026 ballot. His withdrawal gives Commissioner Alisa Simmons a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
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2026 Texas Elections
Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointed
Some county GOP officials said the president’s pardon could complicate their plans to unseat the Laredo Democrat in South Texas’ battleground 28th Congressional District.
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2026 Texas Elections
In North Texas, game of musical chairs culminates in primary between Democrats Colin Allred and Julie Johnson
The primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and the entry of Rep. Jasmine Crockett into the U.S. Senate race, which prompted Allred to drop out.
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2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett leads James Talarico by 8 points in Senate Democratic primary, new poll finds
Crockett had higher name recognition and an overwhelming edge among Black voters, while Talarico kept her margin to single digits through greater support among white and Latino voters.
