Texas politics is never short on drama, but the 2026 U.S. Senate primaries are shaping up to be among the most consequential—and perhaps the most intriguing—in years. With early voting underway from February 17 through February 27, and Primary Election Day set for March 3, the state’s political landscape is bracing for a shakeup as both parties face fierce battles at the top of their tickets, according to reporting from long-running Texas political news outlets and local journalists.
On the Democratic side, the race is dominated by two rising stars: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Austin state Rep. James Talarico. Both are unapologetic progressives, both are millennials—Crockett is 44, Talarico 36—and both have legislative resumes that echo one another. Crockett has served one term in the Texas House and two terms in Congress, while Talarico is in his fourth term in the state House. Their ambitions are historic: if elected, Crockett would be the first Black U.S. senator from Texas, while either would be the first millennial to represent the Lone Star State in the upper chamber.
Yet, as much as they share, the contrasts in style and substance are hard to miss. Crockett, whose campaign launch video featured a montage of barbs hurled at her by President Donald Trump, has built her reputation as a formidable opponent of Republican leadership. She’s not afraid to wade into political fights and wears her battles with the GOP as a badge of honor. As The Quorum Report notes, "Crockett has made a name for herself as a formidable opponent of the Republican administration." She’s also demonstrated policy depth, impressing newspaper editorial boards and voters alike with her grasp of issues ranging from farm policy to energy production.
Meanwhile, Talarico brings a different, though no less passionate, approach. He often frames his arguments through the lens of his Christian faith, which he has highlighted during legislative debates and in media appearances. Currently studying to become a Presbyterian minister, Talarico positions himself as a Christian liberal who is asking voters to demand more from their government. He’s quick to point out his willingness to fight for Democratic causes, but he’s just as eager to claim moral victories—emphasizing the importance of principle, even when legislative wins are elusive.
On the issues, the two candidates find common ground. Both have called for addressing income inequality, with Talarico advocating for higher income and capital gains taxes on the wealthiest Americans to fund programs for ordinary citizens. Crockett echoes this sentiment, stating her desire to make "billionaires and the largest corporations pay their fair share." When it comes to immigration enforcement, both have called for significant reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though neither has gone so far as to demand the agency’s outright abolition. Talarico wants to "repeal and replace the division with an agency that actually is going to focus on public safety," while Crockett has labeled ICE a "rogue agency" and insisted Congress should "clean house from top to bottom."
The question of former President Trump’s impeachment has also featured in the campaign. During the only debate of the race, Crockett declared, "I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump. Ultimately, do I think we should go through the formal process? Absolutely." Talarico, for his part, agreed that "the administration has certainly committed impeachable offenses." These positions, while bold, reflect the progressive energy animating the Democratic primary.
But the path to the Senate is anything but easy. No Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in Texas since 1988—a fact both Crockett and Talarico are keenly aware of. Crockett was just seven years old the last time it happened; Talarico wasn’t even born yet. The stakes are enormous: with Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, a Democratic win in Texas, coupled with three other flips, could change the balance of power in Washington.
On the Republican side, the primary is just as heated. Four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn faces a high-profile challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Cornyn is banking on his experience in Washington, but the far-right wing of the party is restless. Paxton and Hunt are both vying for the support of the hardcore MAGA base, with President Trump notably staying on the sidelines—at least for now, according to reporting from The Quorum Report.
The Republican contest is not the only one to watch. Paxton’s decision to run for Senate has left the attorney general’s office up for grabs, attracting four candidates, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, state lawmakers Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, and former Justice Department official Aaron Reitz. Each is pitching their vision for how aggressively Texas should pursue lawsuits against the federal government, tackle public corruption, and handle high-profile issues like immigration and abortion-related litigation.
This year’s primaries are the first since Texas completed its 2025 redistricting, which means many voters may find themselves in new congressional districts with unfamiliar candidates. Election officials are urging everyone to confirm their registration status, review sample ballots, and double-check their district lines before heading to the polls. Texas uses open primaries, so voters don’t need to be registered with a party to participate, but they must choose either the Republican or Democratic primary when they vote. That choice determines which party’s runoff they can vote in later, a detail that’s especially important in races where no candidate wins a majority and a May runoff is possible.
Turnout, as always, will be key. For Democrats, the challenge is to build momentum in major metropolitan areas and among younger and suburban voters, while also making inroads in parts of the state where Republicans have dominated recent cycles. For Republicans, the contest is about defining the future direction of the party—whether it remains anchored in the establishment or swings further toward the populist right.
With so much at stake, Texas voters are being urged to do their homework before heading to the polls. As Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, recently advised, "Confirm your registration status, review sample ballots, and double-check district lines before heading to the polls—steps that can reduce confusion and keep lines moving as turnout builds in the final days before March 3."
As the clock ticks down to Primary Election Day, the nation is watching Texas. The results will not only determine who advances to the November general election but could also reshape the political landscape of the state—and perhaps the entire country—for years to come.