Texas voters kicked off the 2026 midterm election season Tuesday night with a series of high-stakes primary battles that are already sending shockwaves through both parties.
The biggest fight of the night centered on the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, where longtime Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) faced the toughest challenge of his career from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) also joined the crowded GOP field, but early returns quickly made clear the race would come down to the two heavyweights.
By late evening, election analysts projected that Cornyn and Paxton would advance to a runoff election in May after neither candidate secured more than 50 percent of the vote. The final order of finish remains significant, however, as the top spot could influence whether former President Donald Trump decides to weigh in with an endorsement ahead of the runoff.
Despite Cornyn and his allies pouring massive resources into the race—reportedly spending about $69 million compared to just $4 million backing Paxton—the Texas attorney general remained competitive throughout the night and steadily closed the gap as more votes were counted.
The race has drawn national attention from Republican leaders in Washington who fear Paxton could be a weaker candidate in a general election. Some establishment figures worry that nominating Paxton could put Texas unexpectedly in play for Democrats in November. Paxton’s supporters reject that argument, pointing to his history of winning multiple statewide elections and surviving political attacks, including an impeachment push, while maintaining strong support among conservative voters.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican John Cornyn advances to primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Texas. #APRaceCall at 10:50 p.m. EST. https://t.co/TS3eIpQI5W
— AP Race Calls (@AP_RaceCalls) March 4, 2026
Meanwhile, the Democratic primary in Texas also delivered a dramatic finish.
The contest had been widely viewed as a proxy battle between two major factions inside the Democratic Party. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who had backing from former Vice President Kamala Harris, faced off against Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who had the support of allies tied to former President Barack Obama.
For much of the race, Crockett appeared to hold a modest lead in polling. But late spending by major donors backing Talarico—reportedly outspending Crockett’s side by roughly $24.5 million to $5 million on advertising—helped fuel a late surge.
As results rolled in Tuesday night, Talarico overtook Crockett and appeared poised to secure the Democratic nomination. Early returns had initially shown Crockett with a large lead, but that advantage quickly evaporated as more precincts reported.
The bitter race ended with controversy. Crockett and some of her allies began raising concerns about voting irregularities and alleged “cheating,” accusations that could complicate efforts for Democrats to unify heading into the general election.
The political drama did not stop at the Senate race.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came in a down-ballot Republican primary where Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) appeared to lose his seat to state Rep. Steve Toth. Crenshaw, a prominent national figure and frequent voice on foreign policy issues, had long been considered a powerful incumbent. His defeat would mark one of the most significant primary upsets in Congress this cycle.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Ken Paxton advances to primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Texas. #APRaceCall at 10:50 p.m. EST. https://t.co/TS3eIpQI5W
— AP Race Calls (@AP_RaceCalls) March 4, 2026
Another closely watched House race saw Rep. Al Green (D-TX) struggling in a member-versus-member primary against Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX), raising the possibility of another major shakeup in the Texas delegation.
Outside of Texas, primary elections in North Carolina and Arkansas unfolded largely as expected.
In North Carolina, Republicans nominated former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley for U.S. Senate, while Democrats selected former Gov. Roy Cooper, setting up a high-profile general election battle this fall.
In Arkansas, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), the Senate GOP conference chairman, secured his party’s nomination as he seeks reelection.
With the first ballots of the 2026 midterm cycle now counted, the results in Texas suggest the coming election season could bring fierce ideological battles, surprising upsets, and major implications for the balance of power in Washington.
