Key information for Texas voters before the November midterm elections

Several major races are taking shape

Texas is heading toward a closely watched November election shaped by competitive statewide races, economic concerns, and growing debate over the direction of state policy.

The biggest contests include the U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 38 U.S. House seats. Several races appear more competitive than Texas voters have seen in recent cycles.

The Senate race draws national attention

The U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has become one of the state’s biggest political stories heading into November.

Recent polling has shown a close contest, with different surveys placing either candidate slightly ahead. The race is drawing national attention because Texas has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator in decades.

Abbott seeks another term

Governor Greg Abbott is seeking another term against Democratic State Representative Gina Hinojosa. Polling has generally shown Abbott ahead, though the margin varies by survey.

The governor’s race centers on taxes, education, border policy, energy, housing costs, and the state economy. Hinojosa is trying to turn affordability concerns into a stronger Democratic challenge across Texas.

The lieutenant governor race matters

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is also seeking another term, facing Democratic State Representative Vikki Goodwin, along with minor-party candidates, in the November statewide election.

The office carries unusual power in Texas because the lieutenant governor controls much of the state Senate’s agenda. That makes the contest important for future debates over taxes, schools, energy policy, and legislation.

Texas will choose a new attorney general

Texas voters will choose a new attorney general because Ken Paxton is not seeking another term while running for the U.S. Senate. Paxton remains Texas attorney general through his current term.

Republican Mayes Middleton faces Democrat Nathan Johnson and Libertarian Tom Oxford. The next attorney general will oversee major state lawsuits, consumer protection, legal challenges involving federal policy, and enforcement priorities.

All 38 House seats are on the ballot

All 38 Texas seats in the U.S. House are on the November ballot, with several districts drawing more attention after redistricting, retirements, and open seats.

Republicans currently hold most of the state’s congressional delegation. Democrats are targeting selected districts where changing demographics, candidate quality, and local issues could make the general election more competitive.

An open South Texas seat stands out

One closely watched congressional fight is developing in the district previously represented by Republican Tony Gonzales, who left the House earlier this year.

National Democrats have added the Hispanic-majority district to their target list. Republicans still have a structural advantage there, but both parties see the open seat as a test of South Texas political trends.

Affordability shapes the campaign

Affordability has become one of the strongest issues across the Texas campaign. Polls show voters remain concerned about housing, healthcare, groceries, insurance, and utility costs.

Both major parties are trying to connect those pressures to broader economic arguments. Candidates disagree over whether tax cuts, public investment, regulation, or changes in federal policy offer the better response.

Data centers enter political debates

Data centers have also entered the political conversation as large projects spread across Texas and raise questions about electricity, water, land use, and local control.

A June University of Texas poll found notable opposition to data centers across party lines. The issue is increasingly appearing in local campaigns and statewide debates over growth, infrastructure, and energy.

Little-known fact: Texas found that some registered voters were wrongly flagged as potential noncitizens after the state checked DPS citizenship records.

Energy remains a major concern

Energy policy remains central because Texas continues adding population, industrial projects, and electricity demand while trying to keep the grid reliable during extreme weather statewide.

Candidates are debating generation, transmission, renewable power, natural gas, and who should pay for major upgrades. Data center expansion has made those questions more urgent for utilities, businesses, and households.

Political coalitions keep shifting

The 2026 election also reflects changing political coalitions inside Texas. Republicans remain dominant statewide, but Democrats are looking for gains among younger voters, suburban residents, and independents.

At the same time, Republicans are focused on holding support in rural areas and improving performance with Hispanic voters. Those shifts could shape several competitive races beyond November.

Campaign spending could surge

Campaign spending is expected to be heavy, especially in the U.S. Senate race and selected congressional districts. Outside groups are already investing in advertising and voter outreach.

Fundraising matters because Texas is expensive to campaign across, with several major media markets and a huge population. Competitive races can quickly attract national donors, parties, and political organizations.

Wondering why thousands of Texas voters reached the wrong polling sites? See what Democrats say is confusing.

Texas enters a less predictable election

Texas enters the November election with more uncertainty than usual in several high-profile contests. The Senate race is close, statewide offices remain competitive, and congressional battles are drawing outside attention.

Economic pressure, energy demand, data centers, and shifting political coalitions are shaping the broader debate. The final results could influence both Austin and Washington for years.

Curious what drove Texas voters during the attorney general runoffs? Learn which debates defined the races.

What key information do you think Texas voters should know before the November midterm elections? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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