Texas Voters Decide Republican Senate Nominee in High-Stakes Runoff
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Texas voters are participating in a Republican runoff election on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to choose between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. The winner will face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election. The contest has been defined by a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump and record-breaking campaign spending.
Facts First
- Voters are choosing between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican U.S. Senate runoff.
- President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton on May 19, 2026, during early voting.
- Campaign and allied group spending has exceeded $109 million, with Cornyn's side outspending Paxton's by a wide margin over the past year.
- The winner will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the November general election.
- Runoffs are also being held for Democratic U.S. House nominations in several redrawn congressional districts.
What Happened
Texas voters are casting ballots in a Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The race features four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. In the March 3 primary, Cornyn led Paxton but did not win a majority in a three-way contest. Early voting for the runoff ended on Friday, May 22. President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton on May 19, during the second day of early voting, and reaffirmed his support on May 24 via social media, calling Paxton loyal and Cornyn "VERY disloyal." Campaign and allied group advertising for the Senate runoff has exceeded $109 million, with Cornyn's campaign and allied groups spending approximately $90 million since last year, much of it targeting Paxton.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a Texas voter, this election will determine who represents the Republican party in a critical U.S. Senate race this November, which could influence the balance of power in Congress. The outcome may signal the continued influence of former President Trump within the Republican party, which could shape the party's direction and policy priorities for years to come. For voters in specific congressional districts in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Tuesday's runoffs will also decide Democratic nominees for the U.S. House in districts recently redrawn by the Republican-led legislature, potentially affecting local representation.
What's Next
Polls close statewide at 7 p.m. local time. The winner of the Republican Senate runoff will immediately become the party's nominee to face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election. Losing candidates may request a recount if the margin is less than 10% of the leading candidate's vote, though Texas law requires an automatic recount only in the event of a tie. The general election campaign is likely to begin immediately, with 161 days remaining until the 2026 midterm elections.