AUSTIN, 04 March 2026 – Texas voters headed to the polls yesterday, 03 March, for the 2026 primary elections, marking the first major contest of the midterm cycle. With results still being finalised across the state, early returns suggest a high-stakes battle for the U.S. Senate and key executive offices, including the Governorship and Attorney General.
As of Wednesday morning, several high-profile races remain too close to call, while others appear headed for a May runoff. Under Texas law, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in their primary, the top two finishers must face each other again on 26 May 2026.
U.S. Senate Primary: A Record-Breaking Contest
The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate has become the most expensive in American history, with advertising spend reportedly exceeding A$168 million (US$110 million) leading up to the vote. The race features a significant clash in styles between two-term U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico.
Early data indicates a generational and demographic split among Democratic voters. Talarico has shown strength with younger voters and in suburban districts, while Crockett has maintained a strong base in urban centres. However, early estimates suggest that the share of the Black vote may be lower than in previous cycles, which could impact Crockett’s final tally.
Statewide Executive Races
Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton faced primary challenges from within the Republican party. While Abbott entered the night with a significant polling lead, the Attorney General race has been more volatile following a series of high-profile intra-party disputes over the last year.
On the Democratic side, the party is seeking its first statewide win since 1994. Turnout figures from early voting showed “skyrocketing” participation in major metropolitan areas like Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant counties, though it remains to be seen if this momentum carried through to Election Day.
Key Primary Race Overview
The following table outlines the key contested offices in the 03 March 2026 primary. Official results are being updated by the Texas Secretary of State.
| Office | Notable Candidates (Rep) | Notable Candidates (Dem) | Status (as of 04 March) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Senate | Incumbent Senator | Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico | Too Close to Call |
| Governor | Greg Abbott | TBD | Awaiting Final Totals |
| Attorney General | Ken Paxton | TBD | Runoff Likely |
| U.S. House (Various) | District Incumbents | District Challengers | Mixed Results |
Voter Turnout and Trends
Public insights and early data from the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project suggest that voter enthusiasm was driven by local propositions and redrawn congressional districts. In El Paso County, early voting turnout broke previous records for both parties, with significant gains among voters under the age of 45.
Republican primary voters were particularly focused on ballot propositions regarding water exports and legislative leadership, while Democratic voters weighed in on 13 propositions, including the expansion of healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Texas primary runoff election?
If no candidate secures a majority (50% plus one vote) in the 03 March primary, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff election scheduled for 26 May 2026.
Where can I see live county-by-county results?
Live interactive maps are being maintained by the Texas Secretary of State’s office and major news outlets like the Texas Tribune and KVUE. These maps provide real-time updates as precincts report their final tallies.
Why are some results taking longer to report?
In many large counties, such as Harris and Tarrant, precinct-by-precinct reports are only released after all polling places have reported to central counting stations. Additionally, mail-in ballots and provisional ballots can take several days to be fully processed and verified.