Texas Politics: Elections, State Government, Policy, and Leaders

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Corrections and Clarifications

Our reporting on all platforms will be truthful, transparent and respectful; our facts will be accurate, complete and fairly presented. When we make a mistake — and from time to time, we will — we will work quickly to fully address the error, correcting it within the story, detailing the error on the story page and adding it to this running list of Tribune corrections. If you find an error, email corrections@texastribune.org.

2026 Texas Elections

In major upset, Nathan Johnson takes Texas attorney general’s office for Democrats

by Eleanor Klibanoff Nov. 3, 2026

Johnson beat Mayes Middleton to become the first Democrat to lead the powerful state agency in almost 30 years.

James Talarico delivers his victory speech at a watch party in Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

2026 Texas Elections

James Talarico defeats Ken Paxton, giving Democrats their first U.S. Senate win in Texas since 1988

By Gabby Birenbaum and Kayla Guo
Nov. 3, 2026Nov. 3, 2026

The Austin state lawmaker ran on a message that America’s true fault line is between not the left and the right, but the wealthy and everyone else. He had not yet been born when Texas last elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Reps. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, and Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.

2026 Texas Elections

South Texas congressional Democrats Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar glide to reelection

by Berenice Garcia Nov. 3, 2026

Ahead of the 2026 election, Texas Republicans redrew congressional boundaries in a gambit to help the GOP keep control of Congress.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa celebrates becoming the first Latina governor of Texas at a watch party in Austin on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Hinojosa’s win makes her the first Democrat elected to statewide office since 1994.

Politics

Talarico, Hinojosa usher in new era as Texas Democrats oust several top Republicans

by Texas Tribune Staff Nov. 3, 2026Nov. 3, 2026

Texas Tribune reporters provide live updates as Democrats stun Republicans, taking several statewide offices for the first time in decades.

2026 Texas Elections

See November 2026 midterm election results as votes come in across Texas.

by Apurva Mahajan Nov. 3, 2026

Texans are voting in several high-profile races, including contests for U.S. Senate, governor, several legislative seats and more.

Audience members listen as James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, speaks at his last campaign event before the Nov. 3 midterm elections at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, on Nov. 2, 2026. With polling between Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton remaining close, the Democrat made his final pitch to voters at one of Austin’s iconic live music venues.

2026 Texas Elections

Ken Paxton and James Talarico close their Senate campaigns on home turf

by Gabby Birenbaum and Kayla Guo Nov. 2, 2026

To win, Paxton needs to keep the margin close in Collin County, his political home base. Talarico must earn epic returns in Travis County, the bluest part of the state.

2026 Texas Elections

Most polls have Talarico ahead of Paxton in the U.S. Senate race

By Hien An Ngo Aug. 7, 2026Nov. 2, 2026

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.

From left: Republican and Democratic nominees for U.S. Senate Ken Paxton and James Talarico.

2026 Texas Elections

Paxton vs. Talarico: Five things to watch in Texas’ tight U.S. Senate race

by Gabby Birenbaum Nov. 2, 2026

A swing back among Latino voters, Harris County turnout and Republicans skipping the Senate race are among the trends we’ll be tracking as returns come in.