Complete Guide to the 2026 Texas Elections: Candidates and Key Races

Voters will determine the state’s political direction on November 3 in the 2026 Texas elections, decisive contests for the governorship, the Senate, and strategic seats in the federal Congress. Recent polls anticipate tight races in the main executive and legislative races, with a Hispanic electorate that could tip the balance in the Texas delegation.

Who is Competing for the Federal Senate in Texas?

The race for the Senate seat pits Democrat James Talarico against Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s current attorney general. State polls published in September show minimal differences within typical margins of error.

The Emerson College/Nexstar poll, conducted among 1,000 likely voters, placed Talarico at 47% versus 46% for Paxton. Meanwhile, the ReconMR firm recorded 49% for Talarico and 43% for the Republican candidate based on a sample of 614 voters.

However, the Hispanic electorate shows a different inclination. According to the Cook Political Report and TelevisaUnivision poll, Talarico reaches 63% support among Latino voters, while Paxton registers 30%.

Economic proposals center campaign discourse. Talarico promotes universal childcare, medical debt relief programs, and subsidies for first-time home purchases. In contrast, Paxton promotes tax deductions on family properties and tax reductions linked to health spending.

How is the Race for the State Governorship Progressing?

Republican Governor Greg Abbott is seeking another term against Democratic state representative Gina Hinojosa. The surveys reflect a polarized scenario without consolidated leadership in general public opinion.

The Emerson/Nexstar poll gave Abbott a 49% advantage against 46% for Hinojosa. By contrast, the ReconMR survey placed Hinojosa ahead with 49% versus 45% for the state governor.

Hispanic support widely favors the opposition candidate. The Cook and TelevisaUnivision study placed Hinojosa with 60% of Latino preferences versus 33% garnered by Abbott.

Hinojosa focuses her message on increasing budgets for public schools, better teacher salaries, and expanded medical coverage. For his part, Abbott bases his platform on job growth, border security, and defense of the conservative economic model.