Elections for Statewide Offices to Begin March 3

AUSTIN — Texas voters will head to the polls on March 3, 2026, for the state’s primary elections, a step in determining the candidates for major statewide offices in the November general election. The ballot features stake races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the U.S. Senate seat.

Gubernatorial Candidates Seek Party Nominations

In the race for Governor, Republican incumbent Greg Abbott is seeking an unprecedented fourth term. Abbott faces a field of 10 primary challengers, including Evelyn Brooks, a member of the State Board of Education who has centered her campaign on opposition to the governor’s school voucher proposals.

On the Democratic side, the field has narrowed following the withdrawal of businessman Andrew White. State Representative Gina Hinojosa of Austin remains a prominent contender, alongside former U.S. Representative Chris Bell. While White has exited the race to endorse Hinojosa, his name will still appear on the March ballot due to filing deadlines.

Open Seat for Attorney General

The race for Attorney General is an open contest this year, as incumbent Ken Paxton has filed to run for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

The Republican primary for Attorney General includes State Senators Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton, former Deputy Attorney General Aaron Reitz, and U.S. Representative Chip Roy. The Democratic primary features State Senator Nathan Johnson, former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski, and attorney Tony Box.

Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate

Republican incumbent Dan Patrick is running for a fourth term as Lieutenant Governor. He is challenged in the primary by Perla Hopkins, Timothy Mabry, and Esala Wueschner. The Democratic primary for the office includes State Representative Vikki Goodwin, Courtney Head, and Marcos Velez.

In the U.S. Senate race, the Democratic primary has seen early activity with debates between the leading candidates, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico. They are seeking the nomination to face the winner of the Republican primary, which includes Cornyn and Paxton.

Election Timeline and Voting Requirements

Texas utilizes an open primary system, allowing voters to participate in either party’s primary regardless of their own affiliation. However, voters are restricted to that party’s runoff should one be necessary.

Under Texas law, if no candidate in a primary race receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers advance to a runoff election scheduled for May 26. The winners of these contests will advance to the general election on November 3, 2026./.