Your Guide to Navigating the Lengthy 2026 Primary Ballot in Texas

It’s Primary Election Day in Texas!

Primary Election Day

Today is the day we narrow the field before the November 2026 election. Hopefully, you have already studied the list of candidates because it is a long one. Polls opened at 7 this morning and will close at 7pm tonight.

Midterms Means A Long List of Candidates

Because 2026 is a midterm year, Texans are voting for almost every major executive office that runs the state. If you think you will have a problem remembering everyone you plan to vote for,cheat sheets are allowed in the voting booth.

Executive Branch Offices

Executive Branch offices are the people that run the state. Many of the current office holders are running for re-election with the exception of the Texas Attorney General race. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate.

Governor: Incumbent Greg Abbott (R) is seeking a fourth term.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent Dan Patrick (R) is seeking a fourth term.

Attorney General: The most powerful legal position in the state. This position is basically the state’s lawyer.

Comptroller of Public Accounts: Currently held by acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R).

Commissioner of the General Land Office: Oversees state lands and the Alamo.

Commissioner of Agriculture: Incumbent Sid Miller (R) is seeking a fourth term.

Railroad Commission: Despite the name, this office regulates the oil and gas industry. One seat (held by Jim Wright) is up for election.

Federal & Judicial Offices

These are statewide or district-wide races appearing on every ballot:

U.S. Senator: John Cornyn (R) is seeking a fifth term and faces a major challenge from Ken Paxton (R) and Wesley Hunt (R).

Texas Supreme Court: Four of the nine seats (Places 1, 2, 7, and 8) are up for election.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals: Three seats (Places 3, 4, and 9) are on the ballot.

15th Court of Appeals: This is the newly created statewide intermediate appellate court.

What You Need to Know About Today

Open Primary: You do not have to be a registered member of a party to vote, but you must choose either the Republican or Democratic primary when you arrive. You cannot vote in both.

Runoffs: If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote in a specific race today, the top two will head to a runoff.

What to Bring: You’ll need a valid photo ID (Texas Driver License, Election ID Certificate, Personal ID Card, CHL/LTC, Military ID, U.S. Citizenship Certificate, or U.S. Passport).