Democrats Lead Major Texas Races in 2026 Midterms

Democratic candidates established early leads across several major Texas statewide races as initial results from the 2026 midterm elections emerged Tuesday, Nov. 3. The contests include the U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor and other statewide offices, with voters determining whether Republicans will lose their decades-long dominance in Texas politics.

More than 7.4 million Texans participated in the state's two-week early voting period, according to figures from the Texas Secretary of State's Office and The Associated Press. Including mail ballots, more than 7.7 million votes had been cast before Election Day, representing over 40% of approximately 19 million registered voters.

According to The Associated Press, the initial statewide results available at 9 p.m. Tuesday showed Democratic candidates leading in all six highlighted statewide contests. The figures remained preliminary as election officials continued counting ballots.

In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat James Talarico received 59% of the reported vote, compared with approximately 39% for Republican Ken Paxton. Libertarian Ted Brown received 1.5%.

The winner will replace Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002.

Talarico, a former public school teacher, has served in the Texas House since 2018. Paxton has been Texas attorney general since 2015. The contest has attracted national attention because of its potential implications for control of the U.S.

Senate. Democrats have not won a Texas Senate election since 1988.

In the gubernatorial contest, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa secured just over 56% of reported votes, ahead of Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, who received approximately 42%. Libertarian Pat Dixon received 1.3%.

Abbott is seeking a fourth term, which would make him the first Texas governor elected to four four-year terms. Hinojosa has represented an Austin-based district in the Texas House since 2017. The state last elected a Democratic governor in 1990, when Ann Richards won the office.

The lieutenant governor contest also showed a Democratic advantage. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin received approximately 57%, while Republican incumbent Dan Patrick secured about 40%. Libertarian Anthony Cristo received 1.5%, and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick received 0.8%.

Patrick, first elected in 2014, is seeking another term. His agenda has included property tax reductions, private school vouchers, abortion restrictions and limitations on THC products. Goodwin has campaigned for increased public school funding, higher teacher salaries, expanded health care access and repeal of the state's abortion ban.

In the attorney general race, Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson led Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton with approximately 58% against just under 40%.

Libertarian Tom Oxford received 1.4%. The winner will succeed Paxton, who is seeking the U.S. Senate seat.

The comptroller contest showed Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt leading incumbent Don Huffines with 52% of reported votes against approximately 45%. Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza received 1.6%, while Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi received 0.6%.

Huffines, a businessman and former state senator from the Dallas area, was appointed comptroller by Abbott earlier in 2026 and is seeking a full term. Eckhardt criticized his examination of public school district finances, arguing that he had exceeded the authority of his office. The comptroller oversees state tax collection, spending and revenue estimates used in preparing the two-year state budget.

In the Texas Railroad Commission race, Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal received approximately 58%, leading Republican Bo French, who had 40%. Libertarian Arthur DiBianca received 1.7%. Despite its name, the commission primarily regulates Texas' oil and gas industry rather than rail transportation.

Local contests also featured prominently in election coverage. Houston Public Media tracked results involving Fort Bend County Judge, Fort Bend County Commissioner Precincts 2 and 4, and Houston Proposition A, alongside Harris County and other regional races.

The Texas Tribune reported that its election results were compiled from Associated Press data, which draws information from the Secretary of State, county election offices and field reporters. The AP also provides estimates of ballots counted and determines when a race can be projected.

Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day must arrive by 5 p.m. Nov. 4 to be counted in domestic elections. Military and overseas ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 9, meaning outstanding ballots could affect close contests and delay final results.