Texas 2026 Election: Senate & Governor Races, Candidates & Poll Times

Texas Senate race

Ken Paxton (R) vs. James Talarico (D)
Cook rating (Oct. 20): Toss Up · Result: not yet called (AP)

Open seat. Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the May 26 Republican runoff; state Rep. James Talarico won the Democratic nomination over Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Libertarian Ted Brown is also on the ballot.

Sources: Cook Political Report Senate ratings, Oct. 20, 2026 · Wikipedia: 2026 United States Senate elections (nominee lists, sourced to state election offices)

Texas governor race

Greg Abbott (R) — incumbent vs. Gina Hinojosa (D)
Cook rating (Oct. 27): Lean R · Result: not yet called (AP)

Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking another term.

Sources: Cook Political Report governor ratings, Oct. 27, 2026 · Wikipedia: 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

Texas House races to watch

Districts the Cook Political Report does not rate as solid (Oct. 23); incumbent or open seat as Cook lists them.

• TX-15 (De La Cruz): Toss Up
• TX-35 (Open (Casar)): Toss Up
• TX-34 (Gonzalez): Lean D
• TX-28 (Cuellar): Likely D
• TX-23 (Vacant): Lean R
• TX-09 (Open (Green)): Likely R

Sources: Cook Political Report House ratings, Oct. 23, 2026

What else to know

Texas used a new congressional map, enacted in August 2025, for the first time this year. See our redistricting explainer.