The March 3, 2026 primary elections put a spotlight on Ellis County election results and reminded Texans just how much power a fast-growing suburban county holds in shaping the state’s political direction. From local courtroom races to high-stakes statewide contests, Ellis County voters showed up, cast their ballots, and made their voices count in what has quickly become one of the most politically active counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Waxahachie, a newer arrival to Ennis or Midlothian, or simply someone who follows North Texas politics closely, here’s a full breakdown of what happened on primary day, why it matters, and what voters need to know before the next trip to the polls.
Don’t let the next deadline sneak up on you — stay engaged, stay ready, and keep reading for everything that matters most this election season.
A County on the Rise — And a Ballot to Match
Ellis County is no longer a quiet corner of Central Texas. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire state, and that growth is reshaping every aspect of civic life, including elections. As of March 1, 2026, the county had 153,356 registered voters on its rolls — a number that has climbed steadily year over year as thousands of new families plant roots south of Dallas.
That growth means more precincts, more candidates, and more competition for offices that directly affect residents every single day. The Ellis County Elections Department manages a complex operation covering 63 political subdivisions, including 20 cities, 11 school districts, 6 water districts, 14 Municipal Utility Districts, and 12 Emergency Service Districts. Running elections across that many entities takes serious coordination, and the department has built a reputation for conducting the process with transparency and accuracy.
What Was on the Primary Ballot
Texas held its March 3 primary to let voters from both major parties choose their nominees for November’s general election. Ellis County voters participated in both Republican and Democratic primaries, choosing candidates for a wide range of federal, state, and local offices.
At the top of the ticket, the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn drew the most attention and the most money of any contest statewide. On the Republican side, the field featured several prominent names competing for one of the most watched Senate nominations in the country. The Democratic primary similarly attracted a competitive field of candidates eager to challenge for the seat in November.
In addition to the Senate race, voters weighed in on all U.S. House seats — particularly significant this cycle given that state lawmakers redrew congressional district lines in 2025, shifting the political landscape for many communities across Texas, including those in and around Ellis County.
Statewide judicial races also appeared on the ballot. The Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals each had seats up for election, and the State Board of Education featured eight contested district seats across the state.
The Local Races That Hit Closest to Home
For Ellis County residents, the races that may carry the most immediate impact are the local ones. The 2026 Republican primary ballot included contested races for Ellis County Court at Law positions, with candidates including Travis M. Smith, Kameron K. Raburn, Matthew L. Zajic, and Brandon V. Adams competing for seats that handle civil and criminal matters directly affecting county residents.
These local judicial contests rarely get the same attention as Senate races or gubernatorial contests, but the judges who win these seats will preside over cases that touch real people’s lives — property disputes, family law matters, and criminal proceedings. Voters who engage in local races exercise some of the most direct democratic influence available to them.
How Results Are Counted and When They Become Official
One of the most common points of confusion on election night is the difference between what gets reported immediately and what counts as the official, final tally. In Texas, election-night figures are unofficial.
Early voting results are posted beginning at 7 p.m. on Election Night. Election Day results roll in as they are received from individual polling locations throughout the evening. The Ellis County Elections Administrator publishes these figures on the county website, updated as returns come in, and voters need to refresh their browsers to see the latest numbers.
However, those numbers do not immediately become the final word. Counties must still account for mail-in ballots that arrive on time, military and overseas ballots postmarked by Election Day, and provisional ballots that require review. The statewide canvass and certification of final results is completed by March 15, with the official release from the Texas Secretary of State following on March 25.
In close races, that window matters. Mail-in and late-counted ballots have shifted results before, and election-night leads are not always the final word.
The Runoff Question
Texas requires a majority — not just a plurality — to win a primary election outright. If no candidate clears 50 percent of the vote in their race, the top two finishers advance to a runoff. That runoff is scheduled for May 26, 2026, with early voting running May 18 through May 22.
This rule applies at every level of the ballot, from U.S. Senate down to local county offices. Given the number of multi-candidate races on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots in Ellis County, runoffs are a real possibility in several contests. Voters who participated on March 3 may find themselves returning to the polls in late May.
What Comes Next on the Ellis County Election Calendar
Primary day is not the only important date on the 2026 calendar. Ellis County has more elections ahead before November arrives.
Local Political Subdivisions Joint General and Special Elections are scheduled for May 2, 2026, with early voting from April 20 through April 28. These elections cover city councils, school boards, special utility districts, and other local entities that shape daily life for residents across the county. The voter registration deadline for that election falls on April 2, 2026 — giving anyone who is not yet registered time to get on the rolls.
Beyond May, the November general election will be the culmination of everything that happened in March and May. The nominees who emerge from the primaries and runoffs will face off in contests that will determine the direction of Texas politics for the next several years.
How to Stay Informed and Prepared
The Ellis County Elections Department is the go-to resource for residents who want to check their registration status, find their polling location, or learn about what’s on the ballot. The office, based in Waxahachie, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached by email for questions about registration and upcoming elections.
Texas requires voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo ID when voting in person. Voters who cannot obtain a qualifying ID can fill out a declaration at the polls and present a supporting document. Knowing the rules ahead of time prevents unnecessary surprises on Election Day.
For those who prefer to vote early, Ellis County offers an extended early voting window for every election. For the March primary, that window ran February 17 through February 27 — ten full days before Election Day itself. Planning to vote early reduces lines and gives voters flexibility around work and family schedules.
If the March 3 results have you energized, frustrated, or fired up for what comes next in Ellis County — drop a comment below and tell your neighbors where you stand.
