2026 United States Senate election in Texas

2026 United States Senate election in Texas

November 3, 2026
 
Nominee TBD James Talarico
Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent U.S. senator

John Cornyn
Republican



The 2026 United States Senate election in Texas will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Texas. State representative James Talarico is the Democratic nominee. The Republican nominee will be determined in a runoff election between four-term incumbent John Cornyn and state attorney general Ken Paxton on May 26, 2026, after no candidate secured a majority of the vote in the March 3 primary. Democrats have not won a Senate election in Texas since 1988.

Republican primary

Background

Incumbent Senator John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term but is facing a competitive challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. The two have clashed for years with Paxton criticizing Cornyn for being insufficiently conservative, particularly over his support for U.S. aid to Ukraine, DREAM Act for DACA beneficiaries and playing a leading role in the passage of the bipartisan gun safety bill after the Uvalde school massacre. Cornyn, in turn, has highlighted Paxton's legal troubles, perceived character flaws and corruption, and his 2023 impeachment, in which Paxton was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House before the Senate later acquitted him of all charges.[1][2][3][4]

The race has been seen as a key contest between the Texas Republican Party’s establishment wing and its hardline conservative faction.[1] In recent years, insurgent hard-right candidates have steadily gained ground, often ousting more traditional GOP officials. Polling reflects this divide: Paxton holds a commanding lead among “Trump Movement” voters, while Cornyn performs better with the smaller group of “Traditional Republicans.”[5] Donald Trump did not endorse either candidate, though he described both Paxton and Cornyn as good friends.[6] His influence was widely seen as a key factor in determining the primary winner.[7] He had previously criticized Cornyn as a “hopeless” RINO for supporting the gun safety bill, an attack Paxton highlighted in ads.[8][9] Ted Cruz, the junior senator, has likewise avoided taking a side in the primary, though he previously endorsed Cornyn in 2020.[10]

The election takes place amid efforts by the state Republican Party to restrict its primary to registered members. Legislation to allow closed primaries failed, prompting the party to sue the state, claiming the current law violates the First Amendment.[11] Despite serving as the state’s attorney general, Paxton declined to defend the law in court, drawing criticism from those who argued he would gain electorally from a closed primary.[12]

Candidates

Advanced to runoff

Eliminated in primary

Withdrawn

Endorsements

John Cornyn
Executive branch officials
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
Statewide officials
State legislators
Local officials
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers
Ken Paxton
Executive branch officials
U.S. representatives
State legislators
Individuals
Organizations
Wesley Hunt
U.S. representatives
Organizations
Declined to endorse
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
Labor unions

First round

Campaign

Paxton led Cornyn in early polling both before and after entering the race, though concerns about his general election viability persist, as polls show him underperforming Cornyn and, in some cases, trailing hypothetical Democratic opponents.[78] This led many Republicans to back Cornyn, as Senate GOP leaders pressed Trump for an endorsement.[79] Cornyn told The Wall Street Journal in June 2025 that he would consider stepping aside if a stronger candidate emerged to defeat Paxton, but he quickly walked back the comment, stating he would remain in the race.[80] Congressman Wesley Hunt entered the race in late 2025, further scrambling the race and increased the chance of a runoff.[81]

All three candidates competed for the endorsement of Donald Trump, having made support for him and his agenda central to their campaigns; however, Trump declined to back a single candidate, instead stating he supports “all three.”[82][83] Cornyn had maintained a substantial fundraising lead over the other candidates throughout the race, spending much of it attacking Paxton.[84] The early three-way polling had been very narrow, usually with Cornyn and Paxton making the runoff and no candidate close to winning outright.[85] While campaigning, all three tapped into Islamophobic sentiment in their advertisements and actions, with Cornyn and Paxton having targeted the EPIC City development in Collin County with investigations and lawsuits.[86][87][88]

Fundraising

Italics indicate withdrawn candidate

Campaign finance reports as of February 11, 2026[A]
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Virgil Bierschwale (R) $9,988 $9,657 $331
Sara Canady (R) $770 $7,061 $0
John Cornyn (R) $11,155,399 $6,816,042 $4,972,818
Wesley Hunt (R) $1,971,633 $4,116,502 $342,307
Gulrez Khan (R) $10,443 $10,964 $0
Ken Paxton (R) $5,857,093 $1,925,816 $3,931,277
Tony Schmoker (R) $2,500 $3,107 $0
Source: Federal Election Commission[89]

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation
Dates
administered
Dates
updated
John
Cornyn
Wesley
Hunt
Ken
Paxton
Other/Undecided
[c]
Margin
FiftyPlusOne[90] through February 27, 2026 March 3, 2026 29.5% 21.2% 35.6% 13.7% Paxton +6.1%
270toWin[91] February 25 – March 2, 2026 March 3, 2026 35.2% 17.5% 38.7% 8.6% Paxton +3.5%
RealClearPolitics[92] February 13–27, 2026 March 2, 2026 35.4% 15.8% 39.2% 9.6% Paxton +3.8%
Decision Desk HQ[93] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 35.4% 16.5% 38.9% 9.2% Paxton +3.5%
Race to the WH[94] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 32.9% 17.4% 37.2% 12.5% Paxton +5.7%
Average 33.7% 17.7% 37.9% 10.7% Paxton +4.2%
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn
Wesley
Hunt
Ken
Paxton
Other Undecided
YouGov[95] February 26 – March 2, 2026 1,659 (LV) ± 2.8% 32% 17% 36% 2%[e] 13%
Emerson College[96] February 26–27, 2026 547 (LV) ± 4.1% 36% 17% 40% 8%[f]
Quantus Insights (R)[97] February 25–26, 2026 939 (LV) ± 3.1% 38% 16% 43% 3%
Victory Phones (R)[98][B] February 24–25, 2026 600 (LV) 30% 15% 39% 16%
Blueprint Polling (D)[99] February 23–24, 2026 529 (LV) ± 5.3% 30% 14% 42% 1%[g] 13%
Peak Insights (R)[100][C] February 19–23, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 36% 14% 36% 15%
UT Tyler[101] February 13–22, 2026 – (LV) 41% 15% 35% 9%
– (RV) 39% 19% 33%
University of Texas/Texas Politics Project[102] February 2–16, 2026 350 (RV) ± 5.2% 34% 26% 36% 3%[h]
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[103][B] February 9–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 29% 26% 36% 9%
Pulse Decision Science (R)[104][D] February 8–11, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 27% 15% 36% 22%
Peak Insights (R)[100][C] February 3–8, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 29% 25% 31% 15%
Pulse Decision Science (R)[105][E] February 1–3, 2026 801 (LV) ± 3.5% 26% 18% 34% 22%
J.L. Partners (R)[106] January 31 – February 3, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 26% 26% 27% 21%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[107][C] January 29 – February 1, 2026 – (LV) 31% 24% 29% 16%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.2% 31% 17% 38% 2%[i] 12%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.1% 26% 16% 27% 2%[j] 29%
Harper Polling (R)[110][B] January 5–7, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 26% 23% 31% 20%
Deep Root Analytics (R)[107][C] January 5–11, 2026 – (LV) 29% 19% 26% 26%
Pulse Decision Science (R)[111][F] December 14–17, 2025 809 (LV) ± 3.4% 38% 16% 38% 8%
1892 Polling (R)[107][C] December 4, 2025 – (LV) 28% 19% 29% 24%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[112][G] December 1–4, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.4% 27% 28% 33% 12%
J.L. Partners[113] December 1–3, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 24% 24% 29% 23%
co/efficient (R)[114] December 1–3, 2025 1,022 (LV) ± 3.07% 28% 19% 27% 26%
Public Policy Polling (D)[115][H] December 1–2, 2025 527 (LV) 22% 22% 32% 24%
Peak Insights (R)[116][C] November 20–25, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 35% 18% 33% 14%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[117][I] November 21–22, 2025 857 (LV) ± 3.3% 25% 26% 36% 13%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[118][J] November 13–16, 2025 758 (LV) ± 4.0% 32% 21% 31% 16%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] November 4–6, 2025 811 (LV) ± 4.6% 27% 26% 34% 13%
Harper Polling (R)[120][B] October 28–30, 2025 614 (LV) ± 4.0% 26% 24% 25% 25%
Hunt Research (R)[37][121] October 6–10, 2025 1,097 (LV) ± 2.96% 24% 19% 28% 29%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] October 4–6, 2025 – (V) 31% 24% 34% 11%
Peak Insights (R)[116][C] October 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 34% 19% 36% 11%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 576 (RV) ± 4.1% 33% 22% 34% 11%
Deep Root Analytics (R)[123][C] September 22–28, 2025 1,142 (LV) 33% 21% 28% 18%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 492 (RV) ± 3.1% 29% 14% 31% 26%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[125][K] September 20–22, 2025 760 (LV) ± 3.6% 32% 17% 31% 20%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[126][I] September 14–16, 2025 842 (V) 28% 23% 38% 11%
38% 23% 39%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] August 24–26, 2025 – (V) 28% 23% 38% 11%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] August 4–6, 2025 – (V) 29% 23% 37% 11%
Texas Southern University[127] August 6–12, 2025 1,500 (LV) ± 2.5% 30% 22% 35% 13%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] July 16–18, 2025 – (V) 32% 15% 38% 15%
G1 Research[128] Late June 2025 28% 17% 41% 14%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] June 22–23, 2025 – (V) 28% 17% 41% 14%
Pulse Decision Science (R)[129][130][F] June 17–22, 2025 806 (LV) ± 3.5% 32% 13% 49% 7%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] June 8–10, 2025 – (V) 28% 12% 47% 13%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 510 (LV) ± 4.3% 27% 15% 34% 24%
Quantus Insights (R)[132][133][L] May 11–13, 2025 600 (RV) ± 4.4% 38% 16% 46%
American Opportunity Alliance (R)[134][135] April 29 – May 1, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 27% 14% 43% 16%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] April 29–30, 2025 – (V) 27% 18% 40% 15%
The Tarrance Group (R)[136][J] April 27 – May 1, 2025 34% 19% 44%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] April 15–17, 2025 – (V) 26% 18% 42% 14%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] March 23–25, 2025 – (V) 26% 13% 46% 15%
Hypothetical polling
John Cornyn vs. Wesley Hunt
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn
Wesley
Hunt
Undecided
Blueprint Polling (D)[99] February 23–24, 2026 529 (LV) ± 5.3% 42% 37% 21%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[103][B] February 9–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 38% 48% 25%
J.L. Partners (R)[106] January 31 – February 3, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 33% 44% 23%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.2% 46% 39% 15%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[112][G] December 1–4, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.4% 35% 50% 15%
Public Policy Polling (D)[115][H] December 1–2, 2025 527 (LV) 28% 45% 27%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 576 (RV) ± 4.1% 50% 34% 16%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[126][I] September 14–16, 2025 842 (V) 37% 46% 17%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 510 (LV) ± 4.3% 39% 31% 30%
Ken Paxton vs. Wesley Hunt
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton
Wesley
Hunt
Undecided
Blueprint Polling (D)[99] February 23–24, 2026 529 (LV) ± 5.3% 53% 29% 18%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[103][B] February 9–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 44% 42% 14%
J.L. Partners (R)[106] January 31 – February 3, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 34% 44% 22%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.2% 56% 33% 11%
Harper Polling (R)[110][B] January 5–7, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 44% 33% 23%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[112][G] December 1–4, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.4% 39% 45% 16%
Harper Polling (R)[120][B] October 28–30, 2025 614 (LV) ± 4.0% 38% 34% 28%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 576 (RV) ± 4.1% 50% 35% 15%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 510 (LV) ± 4.3% 45% 25% 30%
John Cornyn vs. Ronny Jackson vs. Chip Roy
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn
Ronny
Jackson
Chip
Roy
Undecided
CWS Research (R)[137][M] October 19–23, 2022 823 (RV) ± 3.4% 35% 14% 18% 33%
John Cornyn vs. "Someone Else"
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn
Someone
Else
Undecided
Victory Insights (R)[138] January 4–6, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 35% 40% 25%

Results

Cornyn led Paxton narrowly in the primary election, garnering 41.9% of the vote to Paxton's 40.7%, while Hunt placed a distant third with 13.5% of the vote.[139] Support for Cornyn and Paxton was relatively evenly spread across the state, though Cornyn performed slightly better in urban areas, especially Dallas and Austin, while Paxton performed slightly better in rural areas, particularly in East Texas.[140] Hunt performed slightly better in regions which backed Paxton, suggesting his presence on the ballot hurt Cornyn more than Paxton. Even in Hunt's own congressional district, however, he still came in third with barely over 20% of the vote.[141]

In the days leading up to the March 3 primary, Paxton suggested he could win outright and avoid a runoff. However, Cornyn overperformed expectations in what The Texas Tribune described as a “better-than-expected showing.” Rolando Garcia, a member of the State Republican Executive Committee who supported Hunt in the primary but plans to back Paxton in the runoff, said the result should alarm the Paxton campaign..[142] On March 5, The Atlantic reported that Trump advisers expected the president to endorse Cornyn in the runoff election after his unexpectedly strong performance in the first round of voting.[143]

Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Cornyn (incumbent) 907,604 41.9
Republican Ken Paxton 881,386 40.7
Republican Wesley Hunt 292,728 13.5
Republican Sara Canady 26,291 1.2
Republican Anna Bender 24,415 1.1
Republican Gulrez Khan 15,811 0.7
Republican John Adefope 9,258 0.4
Republican Virgil Bierschwale 9,016 0.4
Total votes 2,166,509 100.0

Runoff

Campaign

Despite speculation following his first-place primary finish, Donald Trump had not endorsed either candidate by the March 17 withdrawal deadline. Republicans had hoped the non-endorsed candidate would exit to avoid a costly runoff and allow the nominee to focus on the general election. However, Paxton refused to withdraw unless the Senate eliminated the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act. Meanwhile, Cornyn, previously a staunch defender of the filibuster, signaled openness to reforming or bypassing it, as Trump indicated his endorsement could hinge on the bill’s passage.[144][145]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn
Ken
Paxton
Other Undecided
Change Research (D)[146] March 17–19, 2026 807 (RV) ± 3.5% 39% 42% 19%
Impact Research (D)[147][N] March 12–17, 2026 – (LV) 37% 53% 10%
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] March 9–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 45% 45% 10%
Slingshot Strategies (D)[149][O] March 7–8, 2026 781 (LV) ± 3.9% 41% 49% 10%
Public Policy Polling (D)[150][P] March 5–6, 2026 565 (LV) ± 4.1% 42% 45% 12%
March 3, 2026 Cornyn and Paxton advance to runoff
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] February 23–26, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 44% 47% 9%
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] February 22–25, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 44% 46% 10%
Blueprint Polling (D)[99] February 23–24, 2026 529 (LV) ± 5.3% 36% 49% 15%
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] February 21–24, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 43% 47% 10%
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] February 19–23, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 42% 49% 9%
Peak Insights (R)[148][C] February 16–19, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.0% 39% 50% 11%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[103][B] February 9–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 38% 50% 12%
J.L. Partners (R)[106] January 31 – February 3, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 40% 41% 19%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.2% 40% 51% 9%
Harper Polling (R)[110][B] January 5–7, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 33% 44% 23%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[112][G] December 1–4, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.4% 40% 44% 12%
Public Policy Polling (D)[115][H] December 1–2, 2025 527 (LV) 34% 44% 22%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[118][J] November 13–16, 2025 758 (LV) ± 4.0% 45% 41% 14%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] November 4–6, 2025 811 (LV) ± 4.6% 38% 46% 16%
Harper Polling (R)[120][B] October 28–30, 2025 614 (LV) ± 4.0% 36% 39% 25%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] October 4–6, 2025 – (V) 43% 46% 11%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 576 (RV) ± 4.1% 44% 43% 13%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 493 (RV) 39% 37% 23%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[125][K] September 20–22, 2025 – (V) ± 3.6% 39% 39% 22%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] September 14–16, 2025 – (V) 44% 44% 12%
Texas Public Opinion Research[152] August 27–29, 2025 320 (RV) 32% 26% 13%[k] 29%
co/efficient (R)[153] August 25–27, 2025 818 (LV) ± 3.4% 36% 39% 25%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] August 24–26, 2025 – (V) 41% 48% 11%
Echelon Insights[154] August 21–24, 2025 515 (LV) ± 4.5% 37% 42% 21%
Emerson College[155] August 11–12, 2025 491 (RV) ± 4.4% 30% 29% 5%[l] 36%
Texas Southern University[127] August 6–12, 2025 1,500 (LV) ± 2.5% 39% 44% 17%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] August 4–6, 2025 – (V) 42% 45% 13%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] July 16–18, 2025 – (V) 36% 47% 17%
Pulse Decision Science (R)[129][130][F] June 17–22, 2025 806 (LV) ± 3.5% 38% 57% 5%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] June 8–10, 2025 – (V) 33% 49% 18%
UT Tyler[156] May 28 – June 7, 2025 538 (RV) 34% 44% 22%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[157][158][Q] June 6–8, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 33% 49% 18%
UpONE Insights (R)[159][160][R] May 27–28, 2025 600 (V) ± 4.0% 28% 50% 21%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 510 (LV) ± 4.3% 34% 43% 23%
Quantus Insights (R)[132][133][L] May 11–13, 2025 600 (RV) ± 4.4% 39% 52% 9%
American Opportunity Alliance (R)[134][135] April 29 – May 1, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 35% 52% 13%
The Tarrance Group (R)[136][J] April 27 – May 1, 2025 40% 56%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] April 29–30, 2025 – (V) 33% 48% 19%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] April 15–17, 2025 – (V) 33% 50% 17%
Internal Republican Party poll[161] Mid–April 2025 605 (V) 33% 50% 17%
Stratus Intelligence (R)[119][I] March 23–25, 2025 – (V) 35% 52% 13%
Lake Research Partners (D)/
Slingshot Strategies (D)[162][O]
March 7–10, 2025 – (RV) 27% 38% 19%[m] 16%
Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)[163] January 28 – February 2, 2025 – (V) 28% 53% 19%
Victory Insights (R)[138] January 4–6, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 34% 42% 25%
CWS Research (R)[164][M] July 9–10, 2022 1,918 (RV) ± 2.2% 31% 51% 18%

Results

Republican primary runoff results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Cornyn (incumbent)
Republican Ken Paxton
Total votes 100.0

Democratic primary

Background

Democrats, who have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994, see an opening in the state due to the bitter and divisive primary fight in the Republican side, a potential midterm backlash against the Trump administration, negative approval ratings for President Trump in Texas as well as recent polling numbers showing competitive matchups.[165][166][167][168]

Colin Allred, who unsuccessfully ran against incumbent Republican senator Ted Cruz in 2024, exited the race on December 8, 2025, which precipitated Jasmine Crockett's entry into the race.[169]

Campaign

Crockett and Talarico participated in a debate on January 24, 2026, hosted by the AFL-CIO in Georgetown. During the debate, both candidates largely aligned on policy and engaged in limited direct attacks. Crockett defended her “firebrand” style as necessary for the political moment, while Talarico emphasized a more measured approach and his perceived electability against Ken Paxton.[170] Talarico later faced controversy after a social media influencer alleged he had referred to former rival Colin Allred as a “mediocre Black man” in comparison to Crockett in a private conversation; Talarico disputed the claim as a mischaracterization. Allred subsequently endorsed Crockett and criticized Talarico.[171] The episode further exposed the racial tension between each candidate's base of support, with Crockett performing best among Black voters, Democrats' strongest voter base, and Talarico performing best among White and Latino voters, demographics which hold far more swing voters.[172]

On February 16, Talarico was scheduled to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. According to Colbert, however, CBS did not allow him to air the interview nor mention the cancellation on-air based on a recently revised interpretation of the FCC's equal-time rule. Colbert later posted the interview to the show's YouTube page.[173] The interview gained millions of views online, while Talarico fundraised $2.5 million in the aftermath and increased his name recognition as early voting began ahead of the March 3 primary. Analysts largely viewed the campaign as one based on personality and electability rather than ideology.[174]

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Jasmine Crockett
Executive branch officials
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
State legislators
Local officials
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers
James Talarico
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
State officials
State legislators
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers
Colin Allred (withdrawn)
Executive branch officials
U.S. representatives
State legislators
Declined to endorse
U.S. representatives
Labor unions

Debates

2026 Texas Democratic Senate primary debates
No. Date Host Moderator Link Participants
 P  Participant   A  Absent   N  Non-invitee   I  Invitee W  Withdrawn
Crockett Hassan Talarico
1[220] January 24, 2026 Texas AFL-CIO Daniel Marin
Gromer Jeffers
KXAN-TV P N P

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of February 11, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Jasmine Crockett (D) $8,577,757 $5,092,872 $3,484,885
James Talarico (D) $20,694,809 $15,906,718 $4,788,090
Source: Federal Election Commission[89]

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation
Dates
administered
Dates
updated
Jasmine
Crockett
James
Talarico
Other/Undecided
[p]
Margin
FiftyPlusOne[221] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 45.7% 46.2% 8.1% Talarico +0.5%
270toWin[91] February 9 – March 1, 2026 March 2, 2026 47.6% 47.6% 4.8% Tied
Race to the WH[94] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 44.4% 49.1% 6.5% Talarico +4.7%
VoteHub[222] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 45.5% 45.9% 8.6% Talarico +0.4%
Decision Desk HQ[223] through February 27, 2026 March 2, 2026 45.6% 48.5% 8.6% Talarico +2.9%
Average 45.76% 47.46% 7.4% Talarico +1.14%
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Colin
Allred
Jasmine
Crockett
James
Talarico
Other Undecided
YouGov[95] February 26 – March 2, 2026 2,408 (LV) ± 2.7% 40% 53% 0%[q] 7%
Emerson College[96] February 26–27, 2026 850 (LV) ± 3.3% 47% 52% 1%[r]
Public Policy Polling (D)[224][S] February 25, 2026 599 (LV) ± 4.0% 42% 48% 0%[s] 10%
Blueprint Polling (D)[99] February 23–24, 2026 472 (LV) ± 4.5% 40% 52% 2%[t] 6%
UT Tyler[101] February 13–22, 2026 488 (LV) 55% 37% 4%[u] 4%
548 (RV) 56% 34% 7%[v] 3%
February 16, 2026 Talarico is interviewed by Stephen Colbert
University of Texas/
Texas Politics Project[102]
February 2–16, 2026 369 (RV) ± 5.1% 56% 44%
Impact Research (D)[225][N] February 10–12, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 43% 47% 10%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 550 (LV) ± 4.2% 47% 39% 2%[w] 12%
Slingshot Strategies (D)[226][O] January 14–21, 2026 1,290 (LV) ± 3.7% 38% 37% 4%[x] 21%
HIT Strategies (D)[227][T] January 6–15, 2026 1,005 (LV) ± 3.2% 46% 33% 21%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 413 (LV) ± 4.8% 38% 47% <1%[y] 15%
Texas Southern University[228] December 9–11, 2025 1,600 (LV) ± 2.5% 51% 43% 6%
December 8, 2025 Allred withdraws from the race
Impact Research (D)[225][N] December 3–4, 2025 – (LV) 52% 35% 13%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 478 (RV) ± 4.5% 52% 34% 14%
46% 42% 8%
Impact Research (D)[229][N] October 23–29, 2025 836 (LV) ± 3.5% 42% 48% 9%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 377 (RV) 42% 30% 4%[z] 24%
Public Policy Polling (D)[230] September 3–4, 2025 510 (LV) ± 4.3% 40% 32% 27%
Emerson College[155] August 11–12, 2025 370 (RV) ± 5.1% 58% 8%[aa] 34%
Texas Southern University[127] August 6–12, 2025 1,500 (LV) ± 2.5% 50% 43% 7%
Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Colin
Allred
James
Talarico
Joaquin
Castro
Jasmine
Crockett
Beto
O'Rourke
Other Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 478 (RV) ± 4.5% 13% 25% 31% 25% 6%
34% 57% 9%
38% 55% 7%
51% 41% 8%
39% 54% 7%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 377 (RV) 25% 13% 29% 31% 2%[ab]
Texas Public Opinion Research[152] August 27–29, 2025 270 (RV) 13% 7% 4% 26% 27% 5%[ac] 18%
Texas Southern University[127] August 6–12, 2025 1,500 (LV) ± 2.5% 38% 58% 4%
52% 41% 7%
NRSC (R)[231] July 4–7, 2025 566 (LV) ± 3.0% 20% 13% 35% 13% 18%

Results

James Talarico won the Democratic primary with 52.8% of the vote.[232] After a dispute concerning voting hours in Dallas and Williamson Counties on the night of the primary, Crockett conceded the race on March 4.[233] The dispute in Dallas County arose from the county Republican Party’s decision not to use countywide voting centers, where voters can cast ballots at any location, on Election Day, as Texas law requires both parties to agree in order to implement them..[234] On March 17, the Dallas County GOP announced it would use countywide voting centers for the runoff.[235]

Issues with a ballot scanning and tabulation machine in Newton County led to the county clerk writing in a court filing that its Democratic statewide primary results, with Hassan winning the county, were "skewed" and that a recount was required, which eventually had to be done by hand due to the scanning issues persisting,[236][237] with the revised results showing Crockett winning the county.

Democrats cast more primary votes in a midterm election than Republicans for the first time since 2002.[141] The results largely mirrored those of the 2020 primary for this seat, which also pitted a Black Democrat from Dallas (Royce West) against a White Democrat from the Austin area (M. J. Hegar). Crockett performed best among Black voters, winning by large margins in East Texas, as well as by smaller margins in the urban centers of Dallas and Harris counties. Talarico won the White and Hispanic vote, dominating in the Austin metro area, and winning the state's remaining rural areas, including the heavily-Hispanic Rio Grande Valley.[140]

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James Talarico 1,212,832 52.4
Democratic Jasmine Crockett 1,068,992 46.2
Democratic Ahmad Hassan 30,762 1.3
Total votes 2,312,586 100.0

Libertarian convention

The 2026 Libertarian National Convention is scheduled for May 21–25, 2026, and will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Declared

Third-party and independent candidates

Candidates

Declared

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
Inside Elections[242] Likely R January 12, 2026
The Cook Political Report[243] Likely R October 14, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball[244] Likely R January 29, 2026
Race To The WH[245][246] Tilt R February 26, 2026

Post-primary endorsements

James Talarico (D)
Executive branch officials
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers and media

Polling

John Cornyn vs. James Talarico

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
James
Talarico (D)
Other Undecided
Impact Research (D)[147][N] March 12–17, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 41% 43% 7%[ad] 10%
Public Policy Polling (D)[251][U] March 4–5, 2026 576 (V) ± 4.1% 43% 44% 13%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 44% 43% 5%[ae] 8%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 47% 44% 9%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[252] November 12–17, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 46% 40% 14%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 48% 45% 7%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 41% 35% 7%[af] 17%

Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
James
Talarico (D)
Other Undecided
Impact Research (D)[147][N] March 12–17, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 43% 44% 5%[ae] 7%
Public Policy Polling (D)[251][U] March 4–5, 2026 576 (V) ± 4.1% 45% 47% 8%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 46% 44% 3%[ag] 7%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 46% 46% 9%
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[252] November 12–17, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 44% 44% 12%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 49% 46% 5%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 38% 37% 8%[ah] 17%
Hypothetical polling

John Cornyn vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
Jasmine
Crockett (D)
Other Undecided
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 45% 43% 5%[ae] 7%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 43% 9%
Change Research (D)[253] November 21–26, 2025 1,189 (V) ± 3.1% 49% 41% 10%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 50% 44% 6%

Ken Paxton vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
Jasmine
Crockett (D)
Other Undecided
Hart Research (D)[254][V] February 6–12, 2026 803 (LV) ± 3.5% 45% 49% 6%
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 45% 43% 4%[ai] 8%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 46% 46% 9%
Change Research (D)[253] November 21–26, 2025 1,189 (V) ± 3.1% 50% 42% 8%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 49% 47% 2%

John Cornyn vs. Colin Allred

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
Colin
Allred (D)
Other Undecided
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[252] November 12–17, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 47% 40% 13%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 48% 46% 6%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 43% 37% 7%[af] 13%
Emerson College[155] August 11–12, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3.0% 45% 38% 17%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 44% 8%

Ken Paxton vs. Colin Allred

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
Colin
Allred (D)
Other Undecided
Ragnar Research Partners (R)[252] November 12–17, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 43% 44% 12%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 48% 47% 5%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 38% 41% 8%[ah] 13%
GBAO (D)[255][W] August 13–18, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 47% 49% 4%
49% 50%[aj]
Emerson College[155] August 11–12, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3.0% 46% 41% 13%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 46% 6%
Brad Parscale (R)[161] Mid–April 2025 >1,000 (LV) 37% 52% 11%

Wesley Hunt vs. Colin Allred

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Wesley
Hunt (R)
Colin
Allred (D)
Other Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 50% 45% 5%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 38% 37% 6%[ak] 19%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 47% 44% 9%

Wesley Hunt vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Wesley
Hunt (R)
Jasmine
Crockett (D)
Other Undecided
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 46% 43% 3%[ag] 8%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 43% 9%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 50% 45% 5%

Wesley Hunt vs. James Talarico

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Wesley
Hunt (R)
James
Talarico (D)
Other Undecided
University of Houston/YouGov[108] January 20–31, 2026 1,502 (LV) ± 2.5% 46% 42% 3%[ag] 9%
Emerson College[109] January 10–12, 2026 1,165 (RV) ± 2.8% 47% 44% 9%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 50% 44% 6%
UT Tyler[124] September 17–24, 2025 1,032 (RV) ± 3.1% 36% 37% 6%[ak] 21%

John Cornyn vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
Beto
O'Rourke (D)
Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 49% 46% 5%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 49% 43% 8%

Ken Paxton vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
Beto
O'Rourke (D)
Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 49% 46% 5%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 49% 45% 6%

Wesley Hunt vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Wesley
Hunt (R)
Beto
O'Rourke (D)
Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University[122]
September 19 – October 1, 2025 1,650 (RV) ± 2.4% 49% 47% 4%
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 49% 43% 8%

John Cornyn vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
Joaquin
Castro (D)
Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 41% 11%

Ken Paxton vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
Joaquin
Castro (D)
Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 47% 44% 9%

Wesley Hunt vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Wesley
Hunt (R)
Joaquin
Castro (D)
Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University[131] May 9–19, 2025 1,200 (RV) ± 2.8% 48% 42% 10%

John Cornyn vs. Generic Democrat

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
John
Cornyn (R)
Generic
Democrat
Undecided
Stratus Intelligence (R)[157][158][Q] June 6–8, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 42% 35% 23%

Ken Paxton vs. Generic Democrat

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Ken
Paxton (R)
Generic
Democrat
Undecided
Stratus Intelligence (R)[157][158][Q] June 6–8, 2025 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 39% 42% 19%

Generic Republican vs. Generic Democrat

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[d]
Margin
of error
Generic
Republican
Generic
Democrat
Other Undecided
Texas Public Opinion Research[152] August 27–29, 2025 843 (RV) ± 4.6% 48% 43% 9%[al]

Results

2026 United States Senate election in Texas
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican TBD
Democratic James Talarico
Libertarian TBD
Independent Joshua Cain N/A
Independent Carmencia Ford N/A
Independent Jed Simmons N/A
Independent Hans Trulsson N/A
Total votes

Notes

  1. ^
  2. ^
  3. ^ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  5. ^ "Someone else" and "I [did/will] not vote in this primary" with 1%; John Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, and Sara Canady with 0%
  6. ^ Anna Bender with 3%; Sara Canady and Gulrez Khan 2%; John Adefope with 1%; Virgil Bierschwale with 0%
  7. ^ "Do not remember" with 1%; John Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, Sara Canady, Gulrez Khan, and "Did not vote in this race" with 0%
  8. ^ Bierschwale with 1%; "Someone else" with 2%
  9. ^ Sara Canady with 1%; "4 others" with <1%
  10. ^ John Adefope with 1%; Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, Sara Canady, and Gulrez Khan with a combined 1%
  11. ^ "Would not vote in that race" with 9%; "Prefer not to answer" with 4%
  12. ^ "Someone else" with 5%
  13. ^ Would not Vote with 8%; Other with 7%; Refused with 4%
  14. ^ County executive
  15. ^
  16. ^ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  17. ^ Hassan, "I [did/will] not vote in this primary", and "Someone else" with 0%
  18. ^ Hassan with 1%
  19. ^ Hassan with 0%
  20. ^ "Did not vote in this race" and "Do not remember" with 1%; Hassan with 0%
  21. ^ Hassan with 4%
  22. ^ Hassan with 7%
  23. ^ Hassan with 2%
  24. ^ "Would not vote in that race" with 4%
  25. ^ Hassan at <1%
  26. ^ "Someone else" with 4%
  27. ^ Morgul with 4%; Swanson with 3%; Virts with 1%
  28. ^ "Refused" with 2%
  29. ^ "Would not vote in that race" with 5%
  30. ^ Ted Brown (L) with 7%
  31. ^ a b c Ted Brown (L) with 5%
  32. ^ a b "Someone else" with 7%
  33. ^ a b c Ted Brown (L) with 3%
  34. ^ a b "Someone else" with 8%
  35. ^ Ted Brown (L) with 4%
  36. ^ With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  37. ^ a b "Someone else" with 6%
  38. ^ "Someone else" with 9%

Partisan clients

  1. ^ Some candidates may have not published fundraising totals as of the filing deadline
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Poll sponsored by Hunt's campaign
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Poll sponsored by Texans for a Conservative Majority PAC, which supports Cornyn
  4. ^ Poll sponsored by Paxton's campaign
  5. ^ Poll sponsored by Lone Star PAC, which supports Paxton
  6. ^ a b c Poll commissioned by a Paxton-allied super PAC.
  7. ^ a b c d Poll sponsored by Standing For Texas, who support Hunt[151]
  8. ^ a b c Poll sponsored by the Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Poll commissioned by a pro-Hunt group
  10. ^ a b c d Poll sponsored by the Senate Leadership Fund, which supports Cornyn
  11. ^ a b Poll commissioned by One Nation, which supports Cornyn
  12. ^ a b Poll conducted for the Defend Texas Liberty PAC
  13. ^ a b c d e f Poll sponsored by Talarico's campaign
  14. ^ a b c Poll sponsored by Texas Public Opinion Research
  15. ^ Poll commissioned by the Texas Justice Fund
  16. ^ a b c Poll commissioned by the Conservative Policy Project
  17. ^ Poll sponsored by the Educational Freedom Institute
  18. ^ Poll sponsored by Lone Star Rising PAC, which supports Talarico
  19. ^ Poll sponsored by Crockett's campaign
  20. ^ a b Poll commissioned by the Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate
  21. ^ Poll sponsored by Forward Texas super PAC, which supports Crockett
  22. ^ Poll sponsored by Allred's campaign

References

  1. ^ a b Gans, Jared (February 9, 2025). "7 competitive primaries to watch in 2026". The Hill. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  2. ^ Jacobs, Ben (May 14, 2025). "The Republican Trainwreck of the 2026 Election Cycle". Politico. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  3. ^ McLaughlin, Seth. "Sen. Cornyn's reelection bid faces more warning signs in new Senate primary poll". The Washington Times. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  4. ^ Goodman, J. David (May 30, 2025). "Cornyn Calls Primary Fight Against Ken Paxton a 'Test of Character'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  5. ^ Jacobs, Ben (June 7, 2025). "'Trump movement' turns on Cornyn, poll finds". Politico. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  6. ^ "Trump weighs in on Texas Senate race". wfaa.com. April 13, 2025. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  7. ^ "There's a 'Nasty' Senate Primary Battle Brewing in Texas". NOTUS. April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  8. ^ Isenstadt, Alex (May 2, 2025). "Scoop: Pro-Paxton group courts Trump with anti-Cornyn ad". Axios. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  9. ^ "What becomes of Republicans who cross King Donald?". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  10. ^ Livingston, Abby; Svitek, Patrick (December 7, 2018). "Ted Cruz endorses John Cornyn for re-election". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  11. ^ Schneider, Andrew (December 29, 2025). "Texas GOP faces legal opposition in bid to close state's open primary system". KERA News. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  12. ^ McCormick, Cara Brown (October 13, 2025). "Paxton Concedes He Has a Conflict of Interest in Texas Primary Lawsuit". Independent Voter News. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  13. ^ Jeffers, Gromer Jr. (May 24, 2024). "U.S. Sen. John Cornyn commits to seeking reelection in 2026". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  14. ^ Scherer, Jasper (April 8, 2025). "Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John Cornyn". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rosiles, Mateo. "Who is running in the Texas 2026 March primaries? See the list". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  16. ^ a b c "Texas Statewide — All Races". texascandidatetracker.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  17. ^ a b c d Fullerton, Adam (July 1, 2025). "Who is Running for U.S. Senate in Texas?". KTBC. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  18. ^ a b Gunzburger, Ron. "Politics1 – Online Guide to Texas Elections, Candidates & Politics". politics1.com.
  19. ^ Beaumont, Thomas (October 6, 2025). "Rep. Wesley Hunt is running for US Senate in Texas, defying GOP leaders to take on Cornyn and Paxton". Associated Press. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  20. ^ "Reclaiming Faith, Family & Freedom (home page)". September 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  21. ^ Lewis, Jason; Fikes, Barry (October 16, 2024). "A Night with Rennie Mann: From Community Stories to U.S. Senate Candidacy". Coyote Nation (Podcast). Retrieved December 5, 2024 – via Podbean.
  22. ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (October 7, 2025). "Morning Digest, sponsored by Campaign Legal Center: A third congressman the GOP wanted to stay put is now running statewide". Morning Digest. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "More than 130 prominent Central Texas Republicans endorse Cornyn for re-election". Odessa American. February 10, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  24. ^ a b "More than 60 West Texas Republicans endorse Cornyn for reelection". Odessa American. January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  25. ^ Perry, Rick (August 4, 2025). "Rick Perry: Why I am supporting John Cornyn in the U.S. Senate primary". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  26. ^ Gomez-Tate, Lisandra. "Trump's Ex-CIA Director Slammed for GOP Texas Endorsement". 2paragraphs. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h Mutnick, Ally; Soellner, Mica (June 27, 2025). "John who? Texas GOP skirts Cornyn endorsement". Punchbowl News. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  28. ^ a b "Nervous Republicans rally behind Cornyn as they wait on Trump's Texas pick". Politico. March 4, 2026. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  29. ^ a b c d e "Texas GOP braces for explosive Senate primary". The Hill. April 12, 2025. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  30. ^ "The Last Ride of Big Bad John". Texas Monthly. February 2026. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  31. ^ a b c d Sivak, David; Green, Lauren (April 9, 2025). "Cruz won't back Senate colleague Cornyn in preview of Texas primary divisions". Washington Examiner. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  32. ^ Gramm, Phil; Bailey Hutchison, Kay (October 22, 2025). "We served Texas in the Senate. Now we're backing John Cornyn". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  33. ^ "Trump is delaying Texas Senate endorsement to pressure GOP senators on SAVE America Act". Politico. March 9, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
  34. ^ "Thune endorses Cornyn ahead of what could be a thorny primary". Politico. March 26, 2025. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Friedman, Marijke (September 24, 2025). "Cornyn nabs endorsements from 15 former GOP members of Congress in primary vs. Paxton". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
  36. ^ "'The Least Liked Out of Everybody': Republicans Suggest Wesley Hunt Stay Out of the Texas Senate Race". NOTUS. July 25, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  37. ^ a b "Amid new endorsements in tightening GOP primary for U.S. Senate, Cornyn says "the trend line is in our favor" – CBS Texas". CBS News. November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  38. ^ a b Blankleu, Bethany (February 20, 2026). "Texas sheriffs: Without Cornyn, 'thousands of people would have died' in Texas". The Center Square. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  39. ^ a b c "Senator Cornyn endorsed by 30 current and past Republican elected leaders in DFW for his re-election bid – CBS Texas". CBS News. November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  40. ^ a b c d e Powell, Adam. "US Senate Texas 2026: Talarico gains LGBTQ+ backing, Cornyn touts support". El Paso Times. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
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