Texas Primary Day Brings High‑Stakes Tests for Both Parties
Voters decide pivotal Senate, attorney general and legislative races as money, endorsements and intraparty divides shape the ballot
Many battles afoot as polls close Tuesday in Texas, bringing to an end a primary season marked by record spending, sharp ideological divisions and unusually competitive statewide races. While the spotlight is on the U.S. Senate contests, against a backdrop of war in Iran, outcomes across the ballot will influence party power and policy direction heading into November.
Republicans face a bruising three‑way Senate primary between incumbent John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, has benefited from more than $70 million in outside spending, making the contest the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history. With no candidate expected to win a majority, the race is widely projected to head to a May runoff, prolonging a clash between establishment Republicans and a more hard‑right base.
Democrats are also watching a rare, competitive statewide primary as U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico vie for their party’s Senate nomination. Though closely aligned on policy, the two offer contrasting strategies: Crockett is focused on energizing the Democratic base, while Talarico is courting independents and moderate voters with a broader, faith‑based message. The matchup has driven a strong early turnout, a hopeful sign for Democrats seeking momentum after recent electoral setbacks.
Paxton’s Senate bid has opened the attorney general’s office for the first time in more than a decade, setting off a crowded Republican primary. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton are leading a field that is also expected to go to a runoff, with the eventual nominee facing a competitive Democratic race in November.
Elsewhere, several contests will test the political clout of Gov. Greg Abbott against candidates backed by President Donald Trump, including races for comptroller, agriculture commissioner and newly drawn congressional districts.
Finally, Texas House primaries will determine whether business‑backed tort reform advocates can regain influence after recent setbacks, shaping legislative battles at the Capitol in the next session.