Who won the primaries in Texas became one of the most searched political questions after voters across the state cast ballots on March 3, 2026. The results from these primary elections determined the Democratic and Republican nominees for several major statewide and congressional races ahead of the November general election. Early outcomes confirmed several major victories, surprise upsets, and a high-profile runoff in the race for the U.S. Senate.
Texas holds its primaries to decide which candidates will represent each party in the general election. This year’s contests included high-stakes races for U.S. Senate, governor, Congress, and statewide offices. The results revealed shifting political dynamics and set up important matchups for November 2026.
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Major Winners in the Texas Primaries
Several candidates secured clear victories in their respective primaries. Others will move forward to runoffs because no candidate reached the required majority threshold.
Key Confirmed Winners
- James Talarico – Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate
- Gina Hinojosa – Democratic nominee for governor
- Don Huffines – Republican nominee for Texas comptroller
- Steve Toth – Republican nominee for Texas’ 2nd Congressional District
- Mark Teixeira – Republican nominee for Texas’ 21st Congressional District
- Henry Cuellar – Democratic nominee for Texas’ 28th Congressional District
- Nathan Sheets – Republican nominee for Texas agriculture commissioner
These victories determine which candidates will advance to the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Texas Senate Primary Results
One of the most closely watched races answered the question of who won the primaries in Texas for the U.S. Senate.
Democratic Primary Winner
State Representative James Talarico won the Democratic primary for the Texas Senate race. He defeated U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett with about 52.8% of the vote, avoiding a runoff.
Talarico’s campaign emphasized:
- bipartisan outreach
- economic fairness
- generational leadership
- faith-driven political messaging
His victory positioned him as the Democratic nominee for the Senate race in November.
Republican Primary Runoff
The Republican primary did not produce a clear winner.
Two candidates advanced to a runoff election scheduled for May 26, 2026:
- Sen. John Cornyn, the incumbent senator
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, which Texas law requires to win outright.
The runoff will determine who faces Talarico in the general election.
Texas Governor Democratic Primary
Another significant result involved the Democratic race for governor.
Gina Hinojosa, a state representative and former Texas Democratic Party chair, won the Democratic primary. Her victory means she will challenge incumbent Republican Greg Abbott in November.
Hinojosa’s campaign focused on:
- public education funding
- expanding healthcare access
- voting rights protections
- economic opportunity for working families
Texas has not elected a Democratic governor since 1990, making this race one of the most closely watched statewide contests of 2026.
Congressional Primary Upsets
Several congressional races produced surprising results.
Steve Toth Defeats Dan Crenshaw
In one of the most notable upsets, Steve Toth, a Texas state representative, defeated incumbent Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary for Texas’ 2nd Congressional District.
Crenshaw had served multiple terms in Congress and was considered a well-known national figure within the GOP. Toth’s victory reflected growing support from more conservative voters within the party.
Mark Teixeira Wins GOP House Primary
Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira won the Republican primary for Texas’ 21st Congressional District.
Teixeira secured more than 60% of the vote, positioning himself as the likely favorite in the general election in a district that historically leans Republican.
South Texas Congressional Result
In Texas’ 28th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Henry Cuellar won his primary with roughly 58% of the vote, avoiding a runoff.
Cuellar emphasized his experience and ability to bring federal funding to South Texas during the campaign. His victory ensures he will represent the Democratic Party in the general election for the district.
Statewide Office Results
Several statewide offices also saw decisive primary outcomes.
Texas Comptroller Race
Don Huffines, a former state senator, won the Republican primary for Texas comptroller.
His campaign focused on:
- cutting state spending
- expanding school choice programs
- strengthening fiscal oversight
Huffines will face Sarah Eckhardt, the Democratic nominee, in November.
Agriculture Commissioner Primary
In another notable race, Nathan Sheets defeated incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in the Republican primary.
This upset removed a longtime statewide official from office and set up a general election contest between Sheets and Democratic nominee Clayton Tucker.
What the Texas Primary Results Mean
The outcomes offer several key insights into Texas politics.
1. Competitive Senate race ahead
The Senate contest remains uncertain until the Republican runoff concludes in May.
2. Republican ideological shift
Upsets like Steve Toth’s victory over Dan Crenshaw suggest stronger support for more conservative candidates within GOP primaries.
3. Democratic strategy emerging
Democrats selected candidates such as James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa who emphasize broader statewide appeal.
4. High voter engagement
Early voting turnout reached record levels, reflecting strong interest in the 2026 election cycle.
Next Major Election Dates
The primary results are only the first stage of the 2026 election cycle.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Republican Senate Runoff | May 26, 2026 |
| General Election | November 3, 2026 |
The runoff will finalize the Republican Senate nominee before the statewide general election campaign intensifies.
Why the 2026 Texas Primaries Matter
Texas remains one of the most politically influential states in the United States. With its large population and significant electoral influence, the outcomes of these primaries help shape national political dynamics.
The winners now begin preparing for competitive general election campaigns that will determine control of major offices and congressional seats.
As the political landscape continues evolving, the answer to who won the primaries in Texas highlights both expected victories and surprising political shifts that could shape the November election.
What do you think about the Texas primary results? Share your thoughts and keep checking back for more election updates as the 2026 race continues.
