As Texans head to the polls in the first major primary election of the 2026 midterms, the state’s voters face close contests among both Republican and Democratic challengers for a U.S. Senate seat currently held by GOP Sen. John Cornyn.
Cornyn is battling to maintain his party nomination against two challengers, while Democrats hope to face one of his opponents.
The contests underscore ideological divides within both parties and could help redefine the political landscape in the nation’s largest reliably red state.
Texas Republican Senate primary
In the Republican primary, Cornyn, a four-term senator and former ally of Mitch McConnell, is up against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.
During a recent visit to Texas, President Donald Trump praised both Cornyn and Paxton but stopped short of endorsing either candidate.
The race has involved mudslinging particularly between Cornyn and Paxton, the two front-runners in the race. Cornyn’s campaign has aired ads accusing Paxton of infidelity and corruption, while Paxton has portrayed Cornyn as an out-of-touch relic. Hunt, a rising star in the party, is trailing behind the other two in the polls but has managed to attract enough voters to potentially trigger a run-off.
Ad spending has surpassed $110 million, according to The Associated Press, fueled by super PACs and personal fortunes.
Recent Emerson College polling shows Paxton leading Cornyn 40%–36%, with Hunt at 17%.
University of Houston and University of Texas surveys show no candidate breaking 40%, making it unlikely anyone will reach the 50% needed to avoid a May runoff, according to CNN.
Democratic primary
On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, an outspoken Trump critic endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, has highlighted her experience in Congress and federal funding secured for her district.
Her opponent, state Rep. James Talarico, has emphasized his Christian faith, appeal to moderates and strong fundraising, including $13 million in television advertising, according to The Associated Press.
While less intense than the Republican attacks, the Democratic primary has faced its own share of drama, including an incident involving former representative Colin Allred.
Early voting turnout among Democrats has surpassed that of Republicans, signaling enthusiasm, though the race remains tight.
According to CNN, Crockett held the lead in January and early February polls, but among Democrats, Talarico edges Crockett 52% to 47%, according to recent Emerson College polling.
Senate control on the line
General election matchups show Cornyn is likelier to defeat a Democratic challenger than Paxton, according to Politico.
Republicans also worry about a run-off election siphoning campaign spending that could be saved for the general election.