2026 United States Senate election in Texas

Last updated

2026 United States Senate election in Texas
Flag of Texas.svg
←  2020
November 3, 2026
2032 →
  3x4.svg James Talarico Press Conference (centered).jpg
NomineeTBD 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. Democratic state representative James Talarico will face off against the Republican nominee, who 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.

Contents

Republican primary

Background

Incumbent Senator John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term but is facing a competitive primary from Attorney General Ken Paxton, which is progressing to a runoff after no candidate reached a majority in the first round. 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 (Republican In Name Only) 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. [83] This led many Republicans to back Cornyn, as Senate GOP leaders pressed Trump for an endorsement. [84] 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. [85] Congressman Wesley Hunt entered the race in late 2025, further scrambling the race and increased the chance of a runoff. [86]

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". [87] [88] Cornyn had maintained a substantial fundraising lead over the other candidates throughout the race, spending much of it attacking Paxton. [89] The early three-way polling had been very narrow, usually with Cornyn and Paxton making the runoff and no candidate close to winning outright. [90] 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. [91] [92] [93]

Fundraising

Italics indicate withdrawn candidate

Campaign finance reports as of February 11, 2026 [A]
CandidateRaisedSpentCash 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 [94]

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation		Dates
administered		Dates
updated		John
Cornyn		Wesley
Hunt		Ken
Paxton		Other/Undecided
[f] 		Margin
FiftyPlusOne [95] through February 27, 2026March 3, 202629.5%21.2%35.6%13.7%Paxton +6.1%
270toWin [96] February 25 – March 2, 2026March 3, 202635.2%17.5%38.7%8.6%Paxton +3.5%
RealClearPolitics [97] February 13–27, 2026March 2, 202635.4%15.8%39.2%9.6%Paxton +3.8%
Decision Desk HQ [98] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202635.4%16.5%38.9%9.2%Paxton +3.5%
Race to the WH [99] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202632.9%17.4%37.2%12.5%Paxton +5.7%
Average33.7%17.7%37.9%10.7%Paxton +4.2%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn		Wesley
Hunt		Ken
Paxton		OtherUndecided
YouGov [100] February 26 – March 2, 20261,659 (LV)± 2.8%32%17%36%2% [h] 13%
Emerson College [101] February 26–27, 2026547 (LV)± 4.1%36%17%40%8% [i] –
Quantus Insights (R) [102] February 25–26, 2026939 (LV)± 3.1%38%16%43%–3%
Victory Phones (R) [103] [B] February 24–25, 2026600 (LV)–30%15%39%–16%
Blueprint Polling (D) [104] February 23–24, 2026529 (LV)± 5.3%30%14%42%1% [j] 13%
Peak Insights (R) [105] [C] February 19–23, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%36%14%36%15%
UT Tyler [106] February 13–22, 2026– (LV)–41%15%35%–9%
– (RV)39%19%33%–
University of Texas/Texas Politics Project [107] February 2–16, 2026350 (RV)± 5.2%34%26%36%3% [k] –
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [108] [B] February 9–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%29%26%36%–9%
Pulse Decision Science (R) [109] [D] February 8–11, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%27%15%36%–22%
Peak Insights (R) [105] [C] February 3–8, 20261,000 (LV)± 3.0%29%25%31%–15%
Pulse Decision Science (R) [110] [E] February 1–3, 2026801 (LV)± 3.5%26%18%34%–22%
J.L. Partners (R) [111] January 31 – February 3, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%26%26%27%–21%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [112] [C] January 29 – February 1, 2026– (LV)–31%24%29%–16%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 2026550 (LV)± 4.2%31%17%38%2% [l] 12%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 2026550 (LV)± 4.1%26%16%27%2% [m] 29%
Harper Polling (R) [115] [B] January 5–7, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%26%23%31%–20%
Deep Root Analytics (R) [112] [C] January 5–11, 2026– (LV)–29%19%26%–26%
Pulse Decision Science (R) [116] [F] December 14–17, 2025809 (LV)± 3.4%38%16%38%–8%
1892 Polling (R) [112] [C] December 4, 2025– (LV)–28%19%29%–24%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [117] [G] December 1–4, 2025800 (LV)± 3.4%27%28%33%–12%
J.L. Partners [118] December 1–3, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%24%24%29%–23%
co/efficient (R) [119] December 1–3, 20251,022 (LV)± 3.07%28%19%27%–26%
Public Policy Polling (D) [120] [H] December 1–2, 2025527 (LV)–22%22%32%–24%
Peak Insights (R) [121] [C] November 20–25, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%35%18%33%–14%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [122] [I] November 21–22, 2025857 (LV)± 3.3%25%26%36%–13%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [123] [J] November 13–16, 2025758 (LV)± 4.0%32%21%31%–16%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] November 4–6, 2025811 (LV)± 4.6%27%26%34%–13%
Harper Polling (R) [125] [B] October 28–30, 2025614 (LV)± 4.0%26%24%25%–25%
Hunt Research (R) [37] [126] October 6–10, 20251,097 (LV)± 2.96%24%19%28%–29%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] October 4–6, 2025– (V)–31%24%34%–11%
Peak Insights (R) [121] [C] October 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%34%19%36%–11%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025576 (RV)± 4.1%33%22%34%–11%
Deep Root Analytics (R) [128] [C] September 22–28, 20251,142 (LV)–33%21%28%–18%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 2025492 (RV)± 3.1%29%14%31%–26%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [130] [K] September 20–22, 2025760 (LV)± 3.6%32%17%31%–20%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [131] [I] September 14–16, 2025842 (V)–28%23%38%–11%
38%23%39%–
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] August 24–26, 2025– (V)–28%23%38%–11%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] August 4–6, 2025– (V)–29%23%37%–11%
Texas Southern University [132] August 6–12, 20251,500 (LV)± 2.5%30%22%35%–13%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] July 16–18, 2025– (V)–32%15%38%15%–
G1 Research [133] Late June 2025––28%17%41%–14%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] June 22–23, 2025– (V)–28%17%41%–14%
Pulse Decision Science (R) [134] [135] [F] June 17–22, 2025806 (LV)± 3.5%32%13%49%–7%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] June 8–10, 2025– (V)–28%12%47%–13%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 2025510 (LV)± 4.3%27%15%34%–24%
Quantus Insights (R) [137] [138] [L] May 11–13, 2025600 (RV)± 4.4%38%16%46%–
American Opportunity Alliance (R) [139] [140] April 29 – May 1, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%27%14%43%–16%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] April 29–30, 2025– (V)–27%18%40%–15%
The Tarrance Group (R) [141] [J] April 27 – May 1, 2025––34%19%44%–
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] April 15–17, 2025– (V)–26%18%42%–14%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] March 23–25, 2025– (V)–26%13%46%–15%
Hypothetical polling
John Cornyn vs. Wesley Hunt
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn		Wesley
Hunt		Undecided
Blueprint Polling (D) [104] February 23–24, 2026529 (LV)± 5.3%42%37%21%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [108] [B] February 9–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%38%48%25%
J.L. Partners (R) [111] January 31 – February 3, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%33%44%23%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 2026550 (LV)± 4.2%46%39%15%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [117] [G] December 1–4, 2025800 (LV)± 3.4%35%50%15%
Public Policy Polling (D) [120] [H] December 1–2, 2025527 (LV)–28%45%27%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025576 (RV)± 4.1%50%34%16%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [131] [I] September 14–16, 2025842 (V)–37%46%17%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 2025510 (LV)± 4.3%39%31%30%
Ken Paxton vs. Wesley Hunt
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton		Wesley
Hunt		Undecided
Blueprint Polling (D) [104] February 23–24, 2026529 (LV)± 5.3%53%29%18%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [108] [B] February 9–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%44%42%14%
J.L. Partners (R) [111] January 31 – February 3, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%34%44%22%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 2026550 (LV)± 4.2%56%33%11%
Harper Polling (R) [115] [B] January 5–7, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%44%33%23%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [117] [G] December 1–4, 2025800 (LV)± 3.4%39%45%16%
Harper Polling (R) [125] [B] October 28–30, 2025614 (LV)± 4.0%38%34%28%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025576 (RV)± 4.1%50%35%15%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 2025510 (LV)± 4.3%45%25%30%
John Cornyn vs. Ronny Jackson vs. Chip Roy
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn		Ronny
Jackson		Chip
Roy		Undecided
CWS Research (R) [142] [M] October 19–23, 2022823 (RV)± 3.4%35%14%18%33%
John Cornyn vs. "Someone Else"
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn		Someone
Else		Undecided
Victory Insights (R) [143] January 4–6, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%35%40%25%

Results

Results by county .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Cornyn 50-60% 40-50% 30-40% 20-30% Paxton 20-30% 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% Texas U.S. Senate Republican primary, 2026.svg
Results by county
  Cornyn
  •   50–60%
  •   40–50%
  •   30–40%
  •   20–30%
  Paxton
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
Republican primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican John Cornyn (incumbent) 910,382 42.0
Republican Ken Paxton 878,564 40.5
Republican Wesley Hunt 293,25013.5
Republican Sara Canady26,3551.2
Republican Anna Bender24,1671.1
Republican Gulrez Khan15,8730.7
Republican John Adefope9,2840.4
Republican Virgil Bierschwale9,0350.4
Total votes2,166,910 100.0

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. [144] 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. [145] 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. [146]

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.. [147] 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. [148]

Runoff

Campaign

Despite speculation following his first-place primary finish that Trump would endorse Cornyn, Trump did not endorse 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. [149] [150]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn		Ken
Paxton		OtherUndecided
Quantus Insights (R) [151] March 21–23, 20261,218 (LV)± 2.8%41%49%–10%
GQR (D) [152] [H] March 19–23, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%42%47%–11%
Change Research (D) [153] March 17–19, 2026807 (RV)± 3.5%39%42%–19%
Impact Research (D) [154] [N] March 12–17, 2026– (LV)–37%53%–10%
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] March 9–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%45%45%–10%
Slingshot Strategies (D) [156] [O] March 7–8, 2026781 (LV)± 3.9%41%49%–10%
Public Policy Polling (D) [157] [P] March 5–6, 2026565 (LV)± 4.1%42%45%–12%
March 3, 2026Cornyn and Paxton advance to runoff
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] February 23–26, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%44%47%–9%
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] February 22–25, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%44%46%–10%
Blueprint Polling (D) [104] February 23–24, 2026529 (LV)± 5.3%36%49%–15%
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] February 21–24, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%43%47%–10%
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] February 19–23, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%42%49%–9%
Peak Insights (R) [155] [C] February 16–19, 2026800 (LV)± 3.0%39%50%–11%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [108] [B] February 9–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%38%50%–12%
J.L. Partners (R) [111] January 31 – February 3, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%40%41%–19%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 2026550 (LV)± 4.2%40%51%–9%
Harper Polling (R) [115] [B] January 5–7, 2026600 (LV)± 4.0%33%44%–23%
McLaughlin & Associates (R) [117] [G] December 1–4, 2025800 (LV)± 3.4%40%44%–12%
Public Policy Polling (D) [120] [H] December 1–2, 2025527 (LV)–34%44%–22%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [123] [J] November 13–16, 2025758 (LV)± 4.0%45%41%–14%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] November 4–6, 2025811 (LV)± 4.6%38%46%–16%
Harper Polling (R) [125] [B] October 28–30, 2025614 (LV)± 4.0%36%39%–25%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] October 4–6, 2025– (V)–43%46%–11%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025576 (RV)± 4.1%44%43%–13%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 2025493 (RV)–39%37%–23%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [130] [K] September 20–22, 2025– (V)± 3.6%39%39%–22%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] September 14–16, 2025– (V)–44%44%–12%
Texas Public Opinion Research [159] August 27–29, 2025320 (RV)–32%26%13% [n] 29%
co/efficient (R) [160] August 25–27, 2025818 (LV)± 3.4%36%39%–25%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] August 24–26, 2025– (V)–41%48%–11%
Echelon Insights [161] August 21–24, 2025515 (LV)± 4.5%37%42%–21%
Emerson College [162] August 11–12, 2025491 (RV)± 4.4%30%29%5% [o] 36%
Texas Southern University [132] August 6–12, 20251,500 (LV)± 2.5%39%44%–17%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] August 4–6, 2025– (V)–42%45%–13%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] July 16–18, 2025– (V)–36%47%–17%
Pulse Decision Science (R) [134] [135] [F] June 17–22, 2025806 (LV)± 3.5%38%57%–5%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] June 8–10, 2025– (V)–33%49%–18%
UT Tyler [163] May 28 – June 7, 2025538 (RV)–34%44%–22%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [164] [165] [Q] June 6–8, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%33%49%–18%
UpONE Insights (R) [166] [167] [R] May 27–28, 2025600 (V)± 4.0%28%50%–21%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 2025510 (LV)± 4.3%34%43%–23%
Quantus Insights (R) [137] [138] [L] May 11–13, 2025600 (RV)± 4.4%39%52%–9%
American Opportunity Alliance (R) [139] [140] April 29 – May 1, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%35%52%–13%
The Tarrance Group (R) [141] [J] April 27 – May 1, 2025––40%56%––
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] April 29–30, 2025– (V)–33%48%–19%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] April 15–17, 2025– (V)–33%50%–17%
Internal Republican Party poll [168] Mid–April 2025605 (V)–33%50%–17%
Stratus Intelligence (R) [124] [I] March 23–25, 2025– (V)–35%52%–13%
Lake Research Partners (D)/
Slingshot Strategies (D) [169] [O] 		March 7–10, 2025– (RV)–27%38%19% [p] 16%
Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) [170] January 28 – February 2, 2025– (V)–28%53%–19%
Victory Insights (R) [143] January 4–6, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%34%42%–25%
CWS Research (R) [171] [M] July 9–10, 20221,918 (RV)± 2.2%31%51%–18%

Results

Republican primary runoff results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican John Cornyn (incumbent)
Republican Ken Paxton
Total votes100.0

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. [172] [173] [174] [175]

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. [176]

Campaign

A Talarico rally at The Backyard in San Antonio !Viva Democracy! Awesome turnout last night at the James Talarico Rally at The Backyard.jpg
A Talarico rally at The Backyard in San Antonio

Crockett entered the race with high name recognition and strong polling numbers, but her launch on the last day to file meant she had limited time for campaigning statewide. She did not hire a campaign manager and focused on advertising over a staffed field operation. [177]

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. [178] 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. [179] 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. [180]

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. [181] 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. [182]

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.DateHostModeratorLinkParticipants
 P Participant   A Absent   N Non-invitee   I Invitee W  Withdrawn
CrockettHassanTalarico
1 [228] January 24, 2026Texas AFL-CIO Daniel Marin
Gromer Jeffers		 KXAN-TV PNP

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of February 11, 2026
CandidateRaisedSpentCash 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 [94]

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation		Dates
administered		Dates
updated		Jasmine
Crockett		James
Talarico		Other/Undecided
[s] 		Margin
FiftyPlusOne [229] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202645.7%46.2%8.1%Talarico +0.5%
270toWin [96] February 9 – March 1, 2026March 2, 202647.6%47.6%4.8%Tied
Race to the WH [99] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202644.4%49.1%6.5%Talarico +4.7%
VoteHub [230] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202645.5%45.9%8.6%Talarico +0.4%
Decision Desk HQ [231] through February 27, 2026March 2, 202645.6%48.5%8.6%Talarico +2.9%
Average45.76%47.46%7.4%Talarico +1.14%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Colin
Allred		Jasmine
Crockett		James
Talarico		OtherUndecided
YouGov [100] February 26 – March 2, 20262,408 (LV)± 2.7%–40%53%0% [t] 7%
Emerson College [101] February 26–27, 2026850 (LV)± 3.3%–47%52%1% [u] –
Public Policy Polling (D) [232] [S] February 25, 2026599 (LV)± 4.0%–42%48%0% [v] 10%
Blueprint Polling (D) [104] February 23–24, 2026472 (LV)± 4.5%–40%52%2% [w] 6%
UT Tyler [106] February 13–22, 2026488 (LV)––55%37%4% [x] 4%
548 (RV)–56%34%7% [y] 3%
February 16, 2026Talarico is interviewed by Stephen Colbert
University of Texas/
Texas Politics Project [107] 		February 2–16, 2026369 (RV)± 5.1%–56%44%–
Impact Research (D) [233] [N] February 10–12, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%–43%47%10%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 2026550 (LV)± 4.2%–47%39%2% [z] 12%
Slingshot Strategies (D) [234] [O] January 14–21, 20261,290 (LV)± 3.7%–38%37%4% [aa] 21%
HIT Strategies (D) [235] [T] January 6–15, 20261,005 (LV)± 3.2%–46%33%–21%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 2026413 (LV)± 4.8%–38%47%<1% [ab] 15%
Texas Southern University [236] December 9–11, 20251,600 (LV)± 2.5%–51%43%–6%
December 8, 2025Allred withdraws from the race
Impact Research (D) [233] [N] December 3–4, 2025– (LV)––52%35%13%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025478 (RV)± 4.5%–52%34%–14%
46%–42%–8%
Impact Research (D) [237] [N] October 23–29, 2025836 (LV)± 3.5%42%–48%–9%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 2025377 (RV)–42%–30%4% [ac] 24%
Public Policy Polling (D) [238] September 3–4, 2025510 (LV)± 4.3%40%–32%–27%
Emerson College [162] August 11–12, 2025370 (RV)± 5.1%58%––8% [ad] 34%
Texas Southern University [132] August 6–12, 20251,500 (LV)± 2.5%50%–43%–7%
Hypothetical polling
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Colin
Allred		James
Talarico		Joaquin
Castro		Jasmine
Crockett		Beto
O'Rourke		OtherUndecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 2025478 (RV)± 4.5%13%25%–31%25%–6%
34%––57%––9%
38%–––55%–7%
–––51%41%–8%
39%––54%–7%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 2025377 (RV)–25%–13%29%31%2% [ae] –
Texas Public Opinion Research [159] August 27–29, 2025270 (RV)–13%7%4%26%27%5% [af] 18%
Texas Southern University [132] August 6–12, 20251,500 (LV)± 2.5%38%–––58%–4%
52%––41%––7%
NRSC (R) [239] July 4–7, 2025566 (LV)± 3.0%20%–13%35%13%–18%

Results

Results by county Talarico 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90% Crockett 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% Tie Talarico/Crockett--40-50% Talarico/Crockett--50% Talarico/Hassan--50% 2026 Texas Senate Democratic Primary results.svg
Results by county
  Talarico
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Crockett
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  Tie
  •   Talarico/Crockett—40–50%
  •   Talarico/Crockett—50%
  •   Talarico/Hassan—50%
Democratic primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic James Talarico 1,216,412 52.4
Democratic Jasmine Crockett 1,071,90046.2
Democratic Ahmad Hassan30,8751.3
Total votes2,319,187 100.0

James Talarico won the Democratic primary with 52.4% of the vote. [240] After a dispute concerning voting hours in Dallas and Williamson Counties on the night of the primary, Crockett conceded the race on March 4. [241] 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. [242] On March 17, the Dallas County GOP announced it would use countywide voting centers for the runoff. [243]

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, [244] [245] 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. [146] 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. [145]

Libertarian convention

The 2026 Texas Libertarian Party Convention is scheduled for April 10–12, 2026, and it will be held in Abilene, Texas. [246]

Declared

Third-party and independent candidates

Candidates

Declared

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
Inside Elections [251] Likely RJanuary 12, 2026
The Cook Political Report [252] Likely ROctober 14, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball [253] Likely RJanuary 29, 2026
Race To The WH [254] [255] TossupMarch 25, 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 sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		James
Talarico (D)		OtherUndecided
Impact Research (D) [154] [N] March 12–17, 2026900 (LV)± 3.3%41%43%7% [ag] 10%
Public Policy Polling (D) [261] [H] March 4–5, 2026576 (V)± 4.1%43%44%–13%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%44%43%5% [ah] 8%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%47%44%–9%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [262] November 12–17, 20251,000 (LV)± 3.0%46%40%–14%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%48%45%–7%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%41%35%7% [ai] 17%

Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		James
Talarico (D)		OtherUndecided
Impact Research (D) [154] [N] March 12–17, 2026900 (LV)± 3.3%43%44%5% [ah] 7%
Public Policy Polling (D) [261] [H] March 4–5, 2026576 (V)± 4.1%45%47%–8%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%46%44%3% [aj] 7%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%46%46%–9%
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [262] November 12–17, 20251,000 (LV)± 3.0%44%44%–12%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%49%46%–5%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%38%37%8% [ak] 17%
Hypothetical polling

John Cornyn vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		Jasmine
Crockett (D)		OtherUndecided
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%45%43%5% [ah] 7%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%48%43%–9%
Change Research (D) [263] November 21–26, 20251,189 (V)± 3.1%49%41%–10%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%50%44%–6%

Ken Paxton vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		Jasmine
Crockett (D)		OtherUndecided
Hart Research (D) [264]

[265] [U]

February 6–12, 2026803 (LV)± 3.5%45%49%–6%
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%45%43%4% [al] 8%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%46%46%–9%
Change Research (D) [263] November 21–26, 20251,189 (V)± 3.1%50%42%–8%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%49%47%–2%

John Cornyn vs. Colin Allred

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		Colin
Allred (D)		OtherUndecided
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [262] November 12–17, 20251,000 (LV)± 3.0%47%40%–13%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%48%46%–6%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%43%37%7% [ai] 13%
Emerson College [162] August 11–12, 20251,000 (RV)± 3.0%45%38%–17%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%48%44%–8%

Ken Paxton vs. Colin Allred

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		Colin
Allred (D)		OtherUndecided
Ragnar Research Partners (R) [262] November 12–17, 20251,000 (LV)± 3.0%43%44%–12%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%48%47%–5%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%38%41%8% [ak] 13%
GBAO (D) [266] [V] August 13–18, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%47%49%–4%
49%50% [am] ––
Emerson College [162] August 11–12, 20251,000 (RV)± 3.0%46%41%–13%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%48%46%–6%
Brad Parscale (R) [168] Mid–April 2025>1,000 (LV)–37%52%–11%

Wesley Hunt vs. Colin Allred

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Wesley
Hunt (R)		Colin
Allred (D)		OtherUndecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%50%45%–5%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%38%37%6% [an] 19%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%47%44%–9%

Wesley Hunt vs. Jasmine Crockett

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Wesley
Hunt (R)		Jasmine
Crockett (D)		OtherUndecided
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%46%43%3% [aj] 8%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%48%43%–9%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%50%45%–5%

Wesley Hunt vs. James Talarico

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Wesley
Hunt (R)		James
Talarico (D)		OtherUndecided
University of Houston/YouGov [113] January 20–31, 20261,502 (LV)± 2.5%46%42%3% [aj] 9%
Emerson College [114] January 10–12, 20261,165 (RV)± 2.8%47%44%–9%
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%50%44%–6%
UT Tyler [129] September 17–24, 20251,032 (RV)± 3.1%36%37%6% [an] 21%

John Cornyn vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		Beto
O'Rourke (D)		Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%49%46%5%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%49%43%8%

Ken Paxton vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		Beto
O'Rourke (D)		Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%49%46%5%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%49%45%6%

Wesley Hunt vs. Beto O'Rourke

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Wesley
Hunt (R)		Beto
O'Rourke (D)		Undecided
University of Houston/
Texas Southern University [127] 		September 19 – October 1, 20251,650 (RV)± 2.4%49%47%4%
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%49%43%8%

John Cornyn vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		Joaquin
Castro (D)		Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%48%41%11%

Ken Paxton vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		Joaquin
Castro (D)		Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%47%44%9%

Wesley Hunt vs. Joaquin Castro

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Wesley
Hunt (R)		Joaquin
Castro (D)		Undecided
YouGov/Texas Southern University [136] May 9–19, 20251,200 (RV)± 2.8%48%42%10%

John Cornyn vs. Generic Democrat

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		John
Cornyn (R)		Generic
Democrat		Undecided
Stratus Intelligence (R) [164] [165] [Q] June 6–8, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%42%35%23%

Ken Paxton vs. Generic Democrat

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Ken
Paxton (R)		Generic
Democrat		Undecided
Stratus Intelligence (R) [164] [165] [Q] June 6–8, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%39%42%19%

Generic Republican vs. Generic Democrat

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [g] 		Margin
of error		Generic
Republican		Generic
Democrat		OtherUndecided
Texas Public Opinion Research [159] August 27–29, 2025843 (RV)± 4.6%48%43%9% [ao] –

Results

2026 United States Senate election in Texas
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican TBD
Democratic James Talarico
Libertarian TBD
Independent Joshua CainN/A
Independent Carmencia FordN/A
Independent Jed SimmonsN/A
Independent Hans TrulssonN/A
Total votes

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Endorsement made after the first round of primary voting took place.
  2. ↑ Including:
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑
  6. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  8. ↑ "Someone else" and "I [did/will] not vote in this primary" with 1%; John Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, and Sara Canady with 0%
  9. ↑ Anna Bender with 3%; Sara Canady and Gulrez Khan 2%; John Adefope with 1%; Virgil Bierschwale with 0%
  10. ↑ "Do not remember" with 1%; John Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, Sara Canady, Gulrez Khan, and "Did not vote in this race" with 0%
  11. ↑ Bierschwale with 1%; "Someone else" with 2%
  12. ↑ Sara Canady with 1%; "4 others" with <1%
  13. ↑ John Adefope with 1%; Anna Bender, Virgil Bierschwale, Sara Canady, and Gulrez Khan with a combined 1%
  14. ↑ "Would not vote in that race" with 9%; "Prefer not to answer" with 4%
  15. ↑ "Someone else" with 5%
  16. ↑ Would not Vote with 8%; Other with 7%; Refused with 4%
  17. ↑ County executive
  18. ↑
  19. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  20. ↑ Hassan, "I [did/will] not vote in this primary", and "Someone else" with 0%
  21. ↑ Hassan with 1%
  22. ↑ Hassan with 0%
  23. ↑ "Did not vote in this race" and "Do not remember" with 1%; Hassan with 0%
  24. ↑ Hassan with 4%
  25. ↑ Hassan with 7%
  26. ↑ Hassan with 2%
  27. ↑ "Would not vote in that race" with 4%
  28. ↑ Hassan at <1%
  29. ↑ "Someone else" with 4%
  30. ↑ Morgul with 4%; Swanson with 3%; Virts with 1%
  31. ↑ "Refused" with 2%
  32. ↑ "Would not vote in that race" with 5%
  33. ↑ Ted Brown (L) with 7%
  34. 1 2 3 Ted Brown (L) with 5%
  35. 1 2 "Someone else" with 7%
  36. 1 2 3 Ted Brown (L) with 3%
  37. 1 2 "Someone else" with 8%
  38. ↑ Ted Brown (L) with 4%
  39. ↑ With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  40. 1 2 "Someone else" with 6%
  41. ↑ "Someone else" with 9%

Partisan clients

  1. ↑ Some candidates may have not published fundraising totals as of the filing deadline
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Poll sponsored by Hunt's campaign
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 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. 1 2 3 Poll commissioned by a Paxton-allied super PAC.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Poll sponsored by Standing For Texas, who support Hunt [158]
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Poll sponsored by the Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Poll commissioned by a pro-Hunt group
  10. 1 2 3 4 Poll sponsored by the Senate Leadership Fund, which supports Cornyn
  11. 1 2 Poll commissioned by One Nation, which supports Cornyn
  12. 1 2 Poll conducted for the Defend Texas Liberty PAC
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Poll sponsored by Talarico's campaign
  14. 1 2 3 Poll sponsored by Texas Public Opinion Research
  15. ↑ Poll commissioned by the Texas Justice Fund
  16. 1 2 3 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. ↑ Poll sponsored by Forward Texas super PAC, which supports Crockett
  21. ↑ Poll sponsored by Allred's campaign

References

  1. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Rosiles, Mateo. "Who is running in the Texas 2026 March primaries? See the list". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  16. 1 2 3 "Texas Statewide — All Races". texascandidatetracker.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Fullerton, Adam (July 1, 2025). "Who is Running for U.S. Senate in Texas?". KTBC . Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  18. 1 2 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. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025.
  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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "More than 130 prominent Central Texas Republicans endorse Cornyn for re-election". Odessa American. February 10, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  24. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mutnick, Ally; Soellner, Mica (June 27, 2025). "John who? Texas GOP skirts Cornyn endorsement". Punchbowl News . Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  28. 1 2 "Nervous Republicans rally behind Cornyn as they wait on Trump's Texas pick". Politico. March 4, 2026. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 "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. 1 2 3 4 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Moran among wave of new GOP endorsements for Cornyn's Senate bid". KETK. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  39. 1 2 Blankleu, Bethany (February 20, 2026). "Texas sheriffs: Without Cornyn, 'thousands of people would have died' in Texas". The Center Square. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  40. 1 2 3 "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.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 Powell, Adam. "US Senate Texas 2026: Talarico gains LGBTQ+ backing, Cornyn touts support". El Paso Times. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  42. ↑ Powell, Adam. "US Sen. John Cornyn gains major endorsements from El Paso leaders". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  43. 1 2 3 Whitlock, Ron (December 4, 2025). "More than 200 border leaders announce their endorsement of Sen. Cornyn". Rio Grande Guardian. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  44. 1 2 Dearman, Eleanor (October 10, 2025). "Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker makes endorsement in Texas' U.S. Senate race". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Retrieved October 10, 2025.
  45. ↑ Henry, John (February 19, 2026). "John Cornyn, Fort Worth Allies Take Aim at Ken Paxton". Fort Worth Magazine. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  46. ↑ Foley, Ryan (February 17, 2026). "Max Lucado backs John Cornyn for re-election to US Senate, praises his 'remarkable integrity'". Christian Post. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Paxton racks up Texas endorsements as bitter Cornyn runoff hits fever pitch". AOL. March 19, 2026. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  48. ↑ "CLEAT Political Action Committee". CLEAT. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  49. ↑ "- AIPAC Political Portal". candidates.aipacpac.org. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  50. ↑ "2026 GOP Clean Energy Leaders". ClearPath Action Fund. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  51. ↑ "Independent Bankers Association of Texas endorses Cornyn for reelection". Odessa American. March 12, 2026. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  52. ↑ Powell, Adam. "Texas Senate race: Cornyn banks NFIB backing as Talarico gains Tejanos". El Paso Times. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  53. 1 2 "National Realtors PAC endorses John Cornyn for re-election". The Odessa American. November 19, 2025. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  54. 1 2 3 4 "Leading Texas business groups endorse Cornyn for re-election". Odessa American. October 22, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  55. 1 2 3 Friedman, Amanda (April 10, 2025). "Two Texas Republicans throw support behind Paxton in brewing Senate fight". Politico . Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  56. ↑ Bushman, Eric (August 19, 2025). "Cornyn picks up more endorsements, narrows gap in recent polling". Audacy. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  57. ↑ Amy, O'Donnell (July 28, 2025). "Texas Alliance for Life Fed PAC Proudly Endorses Senator John Cornyn for Re-Election to U.S. Senate". Texas Alliance for Life. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  58. 1 2 LeHardy, Will (July 30, 2025). "Sen. Cornyn secures endorsement from 12 major Texas agricultural groups in Senate race". KEYE. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  59. ↑ Powell, Adam. "Texas Senate race: Cornyn nets TEXPAC endorsement as Talarico surges". El Paso Times. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  60. ↑ Powell, Adam. "Texas Senate race: Cornyn lands Chamber nod as Paxton touts TPUSA support". El Paso Times. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  61. ↑ "Cornyn remains the GOP's most responsible choice for U.S. Senate". Austin American-Statesman. February 11, 2026. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  62. ↑ "We recommend for U.S. Senate, Republican primary". Dallas News. February 15, 2026.
  63. ↑ "Star-Telegram endorsement: Republicans' choice between Cornyn, Paxton for Senate". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  64. ↑ "Do you want to win or not? Republicans should keep John Cornyn for Senate". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  65. ↑ "Cornyn's experience, past pragmatism elevate him above GOP primary opponents". San Antonio Express-News. January 29, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
  66. 1 2 Tolentino, Daysia (March 15, 2026). "MAGA Squeezes Trump on Plot to Sink Senator". The Daily Beast. Staunch Trump supporters Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon have endorsed Paxton.
  67. ↑ "Rep. Brandon Gill Throws Support Behind Ken Paxton In High Stakes Runoff Against Cornyn". Dallas Express. April 2, 2026. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  68. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Powell, Adam. "Texas Senate runoff election: Paxton gains backing as Cornyn attacks". El Paso Times. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  69. ↑ "Former Texas Republican Party Chair supports Texas AG Paxton in GOP primary". CBS News . April 11, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  70. ↑ "Turning Point Action endorsing Ken Paxton sparks backlash online". Newsweek. February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  71. ↑ "GOP anxieties rise in Texas after Talarico victory". The Hill. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  72. ↑ "Voting begins in Texas as a Republican senator clings to Trump to keep his job". The Independent. February 17, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  73. ↑ Nitzberg, Alex (April 10, 2025). "John Cornyn scores Tim Scott endorsement, but John Rich calls Cornyn 'the Lindsey Graham of Texas'". Fox News . Retrieved April 10, 2025– via AOL.
  74. ↑ Ewall-Wice, Sarah (February 17, 2026). "MAGA Civil War Breaks Out in America's Wildest Primary". The Daily Beast. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  75. ↑ Barker, Aaron (March 28, 2026). "Paxton picks up CPAC's endorsement in Texas Senate runoff on final day of convention". FOX Local. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  76. ↑ "Gun Owners of America Endorses Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate". Gun Owners of America . May 21, 2025.
  77. ↑ "Texas Gun Rights – One Big Beautiful Ballot – 2026 Republican Primary". January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  78. ↑ "Republicans for National Renewal Endorses Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate". Republicans for National Renewal. June 18, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  79. ↑ Hudspeth Blackburn, Piper (February 10, 2026). "Turning Point Action endorses Ken Paxton in heated GOP Senate primary in Texas". CNN. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  80. ↑ Altimari, Daniela (October 6, 2025). "Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt joins contentious Republican primary for Senate". Roll Call. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  81. ↑ Austin RFC [@ATXRLC] (October 30, 2025). "If @JohnCornyn is attacking @HuntforSenate for votes missed due to family committments, he's shamefully scraping barrel's bottom. Vote for Wesley Hunt, Vote for individual liberty, individual responsibility, and Texas values! @WesleyHuntTX @RLCofTX" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  82. 1 2 "Texas AFL-CIO gives primary race endorsements, declines pick for US Senate". KXAN. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  83. ↑ Gans, Jared (May 12, 2025). "Cornyn losing to primary rival in poll from top GOP super PAC". The Hill . Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  84. ↑ Everett, Burgess (February 4, 2026). "Republicans fear a Texas Senate problem — and hope Trump agrees". Semafor. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  85. ↑ Doud, Justin (June 27, 2025). "U.S. Sen. John Cornyn rebukes report that he's considering dropping out of 2026 race". KUHT . Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  86. ↑ Haake, Garrett; Bowman, Bridget (November 25, 2025). "'Only begun to fight': Texas Senate race heats up as Republicans brace for a runoff". NBC News. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  87. ↑ Wallace, Jeremy (January 10, 2026). "Donald Trump tells John Cornyn he's still not ready to endorse in Senate primary". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  88. ↑ Brams, Sophie (February 17, 2026). "Trump says he hasn't decided endorsement in Texas Senate race". The Hill . Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  89. ↑ Crampton, Liz (January 12, 2026). "Cornyn rakes in record fundraising ahead of Texas primary". Politico. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  90. ↑ Bitonel, Marco (December 21, 2025). "Polling shows tight GOP Primary as Texas Senate Race heats up". FOX 7 Austin. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  91. ↑ Birenbaum, Gabby (January 26, 2026). "Anti-Islam rhetoric takes over Texas GOP primaries". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  92. ↑ Texas, Michael Lozano. "Texas senator pushes for federal probe into EPIC City". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  93. ↑ Serrano, Alejandro (December 6, 2025). "Texas AG Ken Paxton sues EPIC to stop Muslim housing project". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  94. 1 2 "2026 Election United States Senate – Texas". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission . Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  95. ↑ "Texas Republican Senate Primary". Fifty Plus One. Archived from the original on March 6, 2026. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  96. 1 2 "2026 Polls: Texas Senate". 270toWin. Archived from the original on March 6, 2026. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  97. ↑ "2026 Texas Senate – Republican Primary". RealClearPolitics. Archived from the original on March 6, 2026. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  98. ↑ "Texas Senate Republican Primary Ballot Test". Decision Desk HQ. Archived from the original on March 6, 2026. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  99. 1 2 "2026 Senate Polling Average – Track All the Latest Polls". Race to the WH. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  100. 1 2 "Texas Primary Elections" (PDF). YouGov . March 2, 2026. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
  101. 1 2 "Texas 2026 Primary Poll: Talarico & Paxton with Narrow Edges in Senate Primaries". Emerson College. March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  102. ↑ "Latest Poll: Paxton Leads in Texas 2026 Republican Senate Primary". Quantus Insights. February 27, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  103. ↑ "Texas Statewide – Republican Primary Survey Crosstabs". VictoryPhones. Retrieved March 1, 2026– via Google Drive.
  104. 1 2 3 4 5 "Report: Talarico, Paxton lead their respective primaries for Senate". Chism Strategies. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  105. 1 2 Svitek, Patrick [@PatrickSvitek] (February 24, 2026). "New — Latest polling from the pro-Cornyn super PAC Texans for a Conservative Majority: Cornyn 36, Paxton 36, Hunt 14, Don't know/someone else 15. (Feb. 19, 21-23; 800 LVs; +/-3%) #TXSEN" (Tweet). Retrieved February 24, 2026– via X (formerly Twitter).
  106. 1 2 "Texas Voter Survey" (PDF). University of Texas at Tyler . February 27, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  107. 1 2 Henson, James; Blank, Joshua (February 23, 2026). "Competition Remains Fierce in Both U.S. Senate Primaries in Texas, According to Latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll". The Texas Politics Project. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  108. 1 2 3 4 "Texas Statewide – Likely 2026 GOP Primary Election Voters" (PDF). McLaughlin & Associates. February 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026– via Dropbox.
  109. ↑ Christenson, Josh (February 13, 2026). "Ken Paxton on course for John Cornyn runoff in Texas Senate Republican primary: internal poll". New York Post . Retrieved February 14, 2026.
  110. ↑ Johnson, Brad [@bradj_TX] (February 8, 2026). "New polling memo from the pro-Paxton @LoneStar_PAC, reported by @playbookdc today, puts the #TXSen primary at: @KenPaxtonTX -34% @JohnCornyn -26% @WesleyHuntTX -18%" (Tweet). Retrieved February 9, 2026– via X (formerly Twitter).
  111. 1 2 3 4 Christenson, Josh (February 5, 2026). "Texas Republican Senate primary locked in three-way statistical tie between John Cornyn, Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt: poll". New York Post . Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  112. 1 2 3 Johnson, Brad [@bradj_TX] (February 6, 2026). "State of the #TXSen Race memo from the pro-Cornyn Super PAC Texans for a Conservative Majority says their latest numbers from @ragnarresearch put the GOP contest at: @JohnCornyn −31% @KenPaxtonTX −29% @WesleyHuntTX −24%" (Tweet). Retrieved February 6, 2026– via X (formerly Twitter).
  113. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Texas Primaries 2026" (PDF). University of Houston . February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  114. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Texas 2026 Poll: Talarico Leads Crockett for Democratic Senate Nomination, Cornyn and Paxton Face Potential Runoff". Emerson College. January 15, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  115. 1 2 3 "Survey of Likely 2026 Republican Primary Election Voters – Texas Statewide" (PDF). Harper Polling . January 8, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026– via Dropbox.
  116. ↑ Maguire, Conor (December 23, 2025). "Texas U.S. Senate Republican Primary". Pulse Decision Science. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  117. 1 2 3 4 McLaughlin, Jim; Shaw, Patrick (December 5, 2025). "Wesley Hunt Leads in Head-to-Head Ballots for U.S. Senate". McLaughlin & Associates. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  118. ↑ Chamberlain, Samuel (December 5, 2025). "Sen. John Cornyn trails Texas rivals Ken Paxton, Wesley Huntin in head-to-head GOP primary poll". AOL. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  119. ↑ "Texas Statewide 2026 GOP Primary". co/efficient. December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  120. 1 2 3 Everett, Burgess (December 4, 2025). "Cornyn trails Paxton in Texas Senate race, Democratic poll finds". Semafor . Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  121. 1 2 Iverson, Erik (December 1, 2025). "The Texas GOP Senate Primary is a Two-man Race". Peak Insights. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  122. ↑ Wilson, Christopher S. (November 23, 2025). "Late November Texas GOP Senate Primary: Cornyn's Position Continues to Deteriorate". Stratus Intelligence. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  123. 1 2 Mutnick, Ally [@allymutnick] (November 24, 2025). "New: @Senate_Fund releases dueling #TXSEN polling that shows a much better picture for John Cornyn" (Tweet). Retrieved November 25, 2025– via X (formerly Twitter).
  124. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Mutnick, Ally [@AllyMutnick] (November 8, 2025). "NEW: #TXSEN poll (from a pro-Hunt group so caveats apply) shows Hunt closing in on Cornyn for 2nd place. PAXTON – 34%, CORNYN – 27%, HUNT – 26%. Paxton leads 46%–38% in head-to-head w Cornyn. Poll of 811 LVs by Stratus Intelligence from Nov 4–6. MoE +/-3.5%" (Tweet). Retrieved November 8, 2025– via X (formerly Twitter).
  125. 1 2 3 Howard, Andrew (November 10, 2025). "All politics is... national?". Politico . Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  126. ↑ Standard, Lone Star. "Hunt Research: 77.5% of Texas Republican voters favor banning synthetic pesticides". Lone Star Standard. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  127. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "Texas Trends 2025". University of Houston & Texas Southern University . October 9, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  128. ↑ Jacobs, Ben (October 9, 2025). "Wesley Hunt's Texas Senate campaign helps John Cornyn, poll finds". Politico . Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  129. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Topline Report of Texas Voters" (PDF). University of Texas at Tyler . October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  130. 1 2 Roarty, Alex (September 24, 2025). "Cornyn Leads Paxton, Hunt in Three-Way Texas Primary, New Poll Finds". NOTUS . Retrieved September 24, 2025.
  131. 1 2 Mutnick, Ally; Sherman, Jake; Bresnahan, John; Desiderio, Andrew (September 18, 2025). "Hunt moves closer to Texas Senate bid". Punchbowl News . Retrieved September 18, 2025.
  132. 1 2 3 4 McLaughlin, Seth (August 19, 2025). "Is Beto back? Poll shows O'Rourke leads Democratic Senate primary race in Texas". The Washington Times . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  133. ↑ "Wesley Hunt tests waters of a Senate bid, setting up possible heavyweight primary with Cornyn and Paxton". Texas Tribune . August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  134. 1 2 Jacobs, Ben (June 26, 2025). "Cornyn trounced by Paxton in another poll". Politico. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  135. 1 2 Maguire, Conor (June 24, 2025). "Texas Senate Primary". Pulse Decision Science. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  136. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Adams, Michael O.; Jones, Mark P. (May 28, 2025). "Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center – 2026 Texas U.S. Senate Vote Intention, Support for ESAs and Property Tax Relief, & Pres. Trump's Job Performance" (PDF). Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs . Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  137. 1 2 "Texas Senate Primary: Trouble at the Top". Quantus Insights. May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  138. 1 2 Corley, Jason (May 14, 2025). "Quantus Insights Texas Primary May 2025 – Crosstabs". Google Drive . Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  139. 1 2 Jacobs, Ben (June 7, 2025). "'Trump movement' turns on Cornyn, poll finds". Politico . Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  140. 1 2 "Key Findings from Recent Texas GOP Primary Survey". American Opportunity Alliance. May 21, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025– via Politico.
  141. 1 2 Mutnick, Ally (May 12, 2025). "SLF poll shows Cornyn getting creamed by Paxton". Punchbowl News . Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  142. ↑ "Defend Texas Liberty PAC 2022 Republican Primary & Runoff Voters October Issue Poll" (PDF). Texas Scorecard . October 25, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  143. 1 2 Galbraith, Ben (January 8, 2025). "Texas Poll: Ken Paxton Leads John Cornyn for US Senate in 2026" (PDF). Victory Insights. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  144. ↑ "Texas Senate Primary 2026: Live Election Results". The New York Times. March 3, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  145. 1 2 Coleman, J. Miles; Kondik, Kyle (March 4, 2026). "Cornyn Staying Alive is Enough to Keep Texas Senate as Likely Republican". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  146. 1 2 Coleman, J. Miles (March 12, 2026). "Getting Deeper into Texas and North Carolina's Primaries". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  147. ↑ Klibanoff, Eleanor; Svitek, Patrick; Downey, Renzo (March 4, 2026). "Five takeaways from the March 2026 Texas primaries". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  148. ↑ Parker, Ashley (March 4, 2026). "Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  149. ↑ Birenbaum, Gabby (March 17, 2026). "Cornyn, Paxton locked in for runoff ballot after deadline". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  150. ↑ Diamante, Reena (March 18, 2026). "Cornyn reconsiders Senate filibuster as he and Paxton stay in runoff race". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  151. ↑ "Latest Poll: Texas Runoff Takes Shape". Quantus Insights. March 24, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  152. ↑ "Texas Senate Republican Primary Runoff" (PDF). GQR. March 30, 2026. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  153. ↑ "Survey Results". Change Research . March 19, 2026. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
  154. 1 2 3 Wren, Adam (March 20, 2026). "Poll: Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in general election matchups". POLITICO . Retrieved March 20, 2026.
  155. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Johnson, Brad [@bradj_TX] (March 14, 2026). "New polling memo out from the pro-Cornyn Texans for a Conservative Majority PAC on the #TXSen runoff puts @JohnCornyn and @KenPaxtonTX even at 45%. The PAC's pre-primary internal that was released had Cornyn up 2%, very close to the 1.2% that separated them in the first round" (Tweet). Retrieved March 15, 2026– via X (formerly Twitter).
  156. ↑ Bankoff, Caroline (March 9, 2026). "New Poll: Paxton Leads Cornyn by 8 Points Heading into Republican Senate Runoff". Texas Public Opinion Research. Retrieved March 9, 2026– via Google Drive.
  157. ↑ Williams, Jim (March 6, 2026). "Paxton Leads Cornyn in Republican Runoff for US Senate". Public Policy Polling . Retrieved March 11, 2026– via Google Drive.
  158. ↑ Choi, Matthew (March 26, 2025). "Texas congressman Wesley Hunt praised in statewide ads". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  159. 1 2 3 "Texas Senate Primaries Take Shape as Statewide Races Stay Close". Texas Public Opinion Research. September 12, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  160. ↑ "Texas Senate GOP Primary" (PDF). co/efficient. August 27, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  161. ↑ Ruffini, Patrick (August 26, 2025). "Texas Senate Primary Update" (PDF). Echelon Insights. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  162. 1 2 3 4 "Texas 2026 Poll: Cornyn and Paxton in Dead Heat for GOP Senate Nomination". Emerson College Polling. August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  163. ↑ "UT Tyler – Topline Report of Texas Voters" (PDF). University of Texas at Tyler . June 24, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  164. 1 2 3 Isenstadt, Alex (June 16, 2025). "The GOP's come to Jesus moment on Texas Senate race". Axios . Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  165. 1 2 3 @IAPolls2022 (June 17, 2025). "Texas Poll – Senate. Paxton: 49%, Cornyn: 33%. "If Trump endorses Cornyn" Paxton: 46%, Cornyn: 34% —— General Election: Cornyn (inc): 42%, Gen. Democrat: 35%. Gen. Democrat: 42%, Paxton: 39%. Stratus Intelligence for R Group – 6/6-8" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  166. ↑ Mutnick, Ally; Desiderio, Andrew (June 3, 2025). "Cornyn down big in new poll. New Tillis hires". Punchbowl News . Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  167. ↑ Blizzard, Robert (June 3, 2025). "Texas GOP Primary Poll Data". UpONE Insights. Retrieved June 3, 2025– via Punchbowl News.
  168. 1 2 Wallace, Jeremy (April 30, 2025). "John Cornyn trailing Senate primary challenger Ken Paxton, says new internal polls". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  169. ↑ "Lake Research Partners & Slingshot Strategies – Texas Topline" (PDF). DocumentCloud . March 27, 2025. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  170. ↑ Bickerton, James (April 9, 2025). "Ken Paxton's Chances of Beating John Cornyn in Texas: Polls". Newsweek . Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  171. ↑ "Defend Texas Liberty PAC 2022 Republican Primary & Runoff Voters July Issue Poll". Google Drive. July 12, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  172. ↑ "State of Texas: Republicans announce campaigns, Democrats plot strategy for 2026". KTSM 9 News.
  173. ↑ "Democrats Allred, Castro, O'Rourke, Talarico meet to discuss 2026 options". Dallas News. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  174. ↑ "Donald Trump's approval rating goes negative in Texas". Newsweek. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  175. ↑ Guo, Kayla (June 16, 2025). "Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  176. ↑ Fields, Ashleigh (December 9, 2025). "Allred says he dropped Senate bid after 'professional, friendly conversation' with Crockett". The Hill. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  177. ↑ Guo, Kayla (March 6, 2026). "Why Jasmine Crockett lost the Dem primary to James Talarico". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  178. ↑ Mueller, Julia (January 24, 2026). "5 takeaways from the Texas Senate debate between Crockett, Talarico". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 26, 2026. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  179. 1 2 3 Guo, Kayla (February 2, 2026). "Colin Allred blasts James Talarico over TikTok allegation that he called him a "mediocre Black man"". Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  180. ↑ Bowman, Bridget (February 5, 2026). "Viral dispute over 'mediocre' comment exposes racial divides in Democrats' Texas Senate primary". NBC News. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  181. ↑ Moorman, Taijuan. "Colbert slams CBS for canning interview with Trump critic". USA TODAY. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  182. ↑ Mueller, Julia (February 19, 2026). "Talarico gets burst of momentum from CBS controversy". The Hill . Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  183. ↑ Edelman, Adam (September 9, 2025). "Texas State Rep. James Talarico lanches run for U.S. Senate". NBC News . Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  184. ↑ Birenbaum, Gabby (December 8, 2025). "Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  185. 1 2 "Harris backs Talarico in Texas Senate primary after Crockett concedes". The Hill. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  186. ↑ Marks, Madi (December 8, 2025). "Colin Allred leaves U.S. Senate race to run for Congress". FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth . Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  187. 1 2 McCracken, Ford (August 15, 2025). "Sen. Nathan Johnson announces bid for Texas attorney general". KXAN-TV . Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  188. ↑ "TV for Texas-9". Terry Virts for Texas. November 6, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  189. ↑ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1926578". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  190. ↑ Davies, David Martin (November 11, 2025). "Rep. Castro is a 'no' vote on funding federal government and shares his plans for political office". Texas Public Radio . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  191. ↑ Solender, Andrew (April 10, 2025). "A growing wave of House members is grasping for higher office". Axios . Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  192. ↑ Jeffers, Gromer Jr. (April 7, 2025). "Texas Democrats are searching for 2026 candidates as they resist President Donald Trump". The Dallas Morning News . Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  193. ↑ Wu, Nicholas (June 8, 2025). "Texas Democrats see an opening as Paxton surges. But first they need a candidate". Politico . Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  194. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cohen, Max (September 11, 2025). "Congressional Black Caucus leaders back Allred in Texas". Punchbowl News . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
  195. ↑ "Kamala Harris endorses Jasmine Crockett in Texas Democratic Senate primary". The Washington Post. February 27, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  196. ↑ Rego, Max (February 18, 2026). "Alsobrooks becomes first Senate Democrat to endorse Crockett in Texas race". The Hill. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  197. 1 2 Hawkins, Gabe (December 11, 2025). "Exclusive: Rep. Jasmine Crockett discusses entry into race for Senate seat in Texas". Medill on the Hill. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  198. 1 2 "Election Live Updates: Texas Senate Contenders Make Closing Pitches in Bitter and Costly Primaries" . Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  199. 1 2 3 "Calls for Crockett with Rep. McIver, Rep. Watson Coleman & Mayor Baraka" . Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  200. 1 2 3 4 5 Guo, Kayla (February 13, 2026). "In Senate Democratic primary fraught with racial tensions, Black voters could be decisive". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  201. 1 2 3 Bugenhagen, Faith (February 26, 2026). "'Please vote for my sister': Cardi B endorses Jasmine Crockett in Texas U.S. Senate race". Dallas News. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  202. ↑ Keith, Eric (February 20, 2026). "Method Man Endorses Jasmine Crockett for U.S. Senate in Texas: 'A Fighter We Can Trust'". Quintessential. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  203. ↑ Powell, Adam. "Texas Senate race: Crockett, Talarico notch major endorsements". El Paso Times. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  204. 1 2 Everett, Burgess (February 10, 2026). "Democrats agonize over their Texas Senate primary". Semafor . Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  205. ↑ "Elect Democratic Women Endorses Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for U.S. Senate in Texas". Elect Democratic Women. February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  206. ↑ "EMILYs List Announces Texas Statewide Endorsements, Endorsing Jasmine Crockett and Gina Hinojosa". emilyslist.org. January 28, 2026. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  207. ↑ @wearemarchon; (February 21, 2026). "We proudly endorse @jasmineforus for US Senate in Texas" . Retrieved February 23, 2026– via Instagram.
  208. ↑ "We recommend Jasmine Crockett for U.S. Senate in Democratic primary". San Antonio Express-News. January 26, 2026. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  209. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Kronberg, Harvey (October 28, 2025). "In US Senate bid Talarico earns endorsements of more than a hundred officeholders from every region of Texas". Quorum Report. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  210. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Diamante, Reena (September 20, 2025). "Texas Democrats lean on support from Black elected leaders in Senate run". Spectrum News . Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  211. ↑ Guo, Kayla (February 6, 2026). "Online influencers are shaping Texas Democratic Senate race". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  212. ↑ Garcia, Berenice (December 18, 2025). "Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters". The Texas Tribune . Retrieved December 18, 2025.
  213. ↑ "Southern Regional Council of Carpenters endorsed Senate candidate James Talarico". Facebook . Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  214. ↑ Guo, Kayla; Birenbaum, Gabby (February 4, 2026). "Q&A: Democratic candidates in Texas' 2026 Senate primary". Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  215. ↑ Vakil, Caroline. "Progressive group backs Talarico in Texas Senate race". The Hill. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
  216. 1 2 "Longhorns and Aggies don't agree on much, but they both agree... @JamesTalarico should be our next US Senator! 👍🤘". Instagram. February 16, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  217. ↑ @collegedems (February 27, 2026). "College Democrats of America is proud to endorse @jamestalarico for US Senate!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  218. ↑ "The High School Democrats are proud to endorse James Talarico for the U.S. Senate. It's time for progressive leadership in Texas. #hsda #hsdems #texas". Instagram. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  219. ↑ "In Senate bid, Talarico models the leadership this moment demands". Austin American-Statesman. February 10, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  220. ↑ "We recommend for U.S. Senate, Democratic primary". Dallas News. February 15, 2026.
  221. ↑ "Star-Telegram endorsement: Talarico or Crockett in Democrats' US Senate race?". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . MSN. February 16, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  222. ↑ "Do you want to win or not? Democrats should make Talarico their Senate candidate: Endorsement". Houston Chronicle. February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  223. ↑ "March 2026 Primary Election Endorsements for the Austin Area". The Austin Chronicle. February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
  224. ↑ "Black leaders back Allred as Talarico's crowds challenge his lead in Democratic race for U.S. Senate". WFAA. October 8, 2025. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  225. ↑ "Texas primary heat-up: Key campaign endorsements revealed". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. October 28, 2025. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  226. 1 2 3 4 Jeffers Jr., Gromer (September 16, 2025). "Colin Allred touts support from Black elected leaders as Democratic Senate race heats up". Dallas News . Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  227. ↑ "Beto O'Rourke says he won't endorse Jasmine Crockett or James Talarico in Senate primary". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  228. ↑ "Texas AFL-CIO to Host First Debate Between Democratic Candidates for U.S. Senate | Texas AFL-CIO". texasaflcio.org. Texas AFL-CIO. January 8, 2026. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  229. ↑ "Texas Democratic Senate Primary". Fifty Plus One. Archived from the original on March 3, 2026. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  230. ↑ "Who leads the 2026 Texas U.S. Senate Democratic primary?". VoteHub. Archived from the original on March 3, 2026. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  231. ↑ "Texas Senate Democratic Primary Ballot Test". Decision Desk HQ. Archived from the original on March 3, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  232. ↑ "Texas Survey Results" (PDF). Public Policy Polling. February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  233. 1 2 Ennis, JT [@jt_ennis] (February 25, 2026). "BREAKING: Poll shows Talarico surged to a 4-point lead in the Texas Senate Democratic Primary before the Colbert interview" (Tweet). Retrieved February 25, 2026– via X (formerly Twitter).
  234. ↑ "They all want to win: New poll shows how Democratic primary voters are weighing electability and turnout in the Texas Senate race". Texas Public Opinion Research. January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  235. ↑ Fink, Jack (January 21, 2026). "In Texas Senate race, Crockett campaign says she is best candidate to reassemble Democratic base and expand the electorate in general election". CBS News . Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  236. ↑ Adams, Michael O.; Jones, Mark P. (December 12, 2025). "The 2026 Texas Democratic U.S. Senate Primary" (PDF). Texas Southern University . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  237. ↑ Hogan, Matt; Cuevas, Mayra; Ortiz, Paola (November 7, 2025). "Poll Shows Talarico Surging into Lead in Texas Senate Democratic Primary". Impact Research. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  238. ↑ Stanton, Zack (September 7, 2025). "Playbook: Trump's 'Apocalypse Now' moment". Politico . Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  239. ↑ Mordowanec, Nick (July 10, 2025). "Jasmine Crockett's Chances of Winning Texas Senate Primary—Poll". Newsweek . Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  240. ↑ NYT Election Results Team (March 4, 2026). "Texas U.S. Senate Primary Election Results". The New York Times . Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  241. 1 2 Howard, Andrew; Crampton, Liz (March 4, 2026). "Crockett, after warning of disenfranchisement, concedes to Talarico in Texas Senate race". Politico. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  242. ↑ Votebeat (March 4, 2026). "Dallas County voters frustrated over precinct-based primary". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  243. ↑ Contreras, Natalia (March 17, 2026). "Dallas GOP will OK countywide voting sites for May 26 runoff". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  244. ↑ "Texas county starts election recount after "ballot coding error" leads to "skewed" results". ABC13 Houston. March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  245. ↑ "Officials may have to have hand count votes after Newton County recount fails electronically". ABC13 Houston. March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  246. ↑ "2026 Libertarian Party Convention". 2026 Convention | Abilene. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  247. 1 2 3 4 5 Gunzburger, Ron. "Politics1 – Online Guide to Texas Elections, Candidates & Politics". politics1.com. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  248. 1 2 "2026 Libertarian Candidates". Libertarian Party of Texas. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  249. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sen. Nathan Johnson announces bid for Texas attorney general". KXAN Austin. July 15, 2025. Archived from the original on August 27, 2025. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  250. ↑ Doonan, David (May 27, 2025). "University assistant professor announces his candidacy to represent the Green Party in 2026 Senate election". Green Party of the United States (Press release). Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  251. ↑ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  252. ↑ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  253. ↑ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  254. ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  255. ↑ "Texas Senate 2026 Election Polls and Predictions". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  256. 1 2 3 4 "Talarico beats Crockett in Texas Democratic Senate primary". The Hill. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  257. ↑ "Trump's nightmare: Texas Senate race is everything Trump didn't want". MSNOW. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  258. ↑ "Texas AFT :Texas AFT COPE endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate". Texas AFT. March 13, 2026. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  259. ↑ "Our Revolution Endorses James Talarico". Our Revolution. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  260. ↑ "Daily Kos endorses James Talarico for US Senate in Texas". Daily Kos. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  261. 1 2 Cohen, Max (March 9, 2026). "Dems: Paxton and Cornyn poll the same". Punchbowl News . Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  262. 1 2 3 4 Perkins, Chris (November 19, 2025). "Texas Statewide Survey". Ragnar Research Partners. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  263. 1 2 Thomas, Sumati (December 2, 2025). "Texas Senate Early Findings 2026". Change Research. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  264. ↑ "crockett-poll.pdf | Current dynamics in Texas U.S. Senate Democratic Primary | Hart Research Associates" (PDF). Politico. February 16, 2026. Retrieved March 28, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  265. ↑ "Jasmine Crockett Posts Poll Showing She Would Beat Texas AG Ken Paxton In Senate Race". Latin Times. February 17, 2026. Archived from the original on March 29, 2026. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  266. ↑ "Allred for Texas State of the Race Memo – August 2025" (PDF). GBAO. August 22, 2025. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
Official campaign websites
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.