On Tuesday, Texans are heading back to the polls to select their party nominees in a series of runoff elections, concluding what has been one of the most dynamic primary seasons in recent state history.
A number of statewide, congressional, and legislative races required this additional round of voting after no candidate secured a majority in the initial March primary.
The most anticipated contest is the Republican runoff between U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, with Paxton currently favored to win following a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Voters will also decide the nominees for both parties to replace Paxton as Texas Attorney General.
Highlighting the Senate Showdown
The intense Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat will come to a close tonight, following over $135 million in advertising and a last-minute endorsement from Trump.
Both Cornyn and Paxton, who have never lost an election, have been engaged in a fierce battle for more than a year. Cornyn, aiming for a fifth term, narrowly edged out Paxton in the primary, prompting the runoff since neither achieved the required 50% of votes.
In the months since the initial votes, Trump promised a quick endorsement but delayed, even as Senate Republicans expressed a preference for Cornyn, viewing him as a safer choice for the general election. Ultimately, he endorsed Paxton just one week before the election.
The candidates have clashed over their records, perceived electability, and their commitment to conservative principles, with Cornyn positioning himself as a Reagan Republican and claiming that the Republican control of Texas is at risk. Paxton, who has vowed to challenge the establishment, argues that he aligns more closely with Trump’s core supporters.
The victor will face Democratic nominee James Talarico, an influential state representative from Austin.
Texas’ Next Chief Legal Officer
The contest to succeed Paxton as attorney general has been marked by significant spending and fierce competition, particularly among Republicans.
State Senator Mayes Middleton emerged as the frontrunner in the March primary but failed to secure a majority, leading to a runoff against U.S. Representative Chip Roy. Middleton has invested nearly $17 million of his own funds to promote his “MAGA Mayes” campaign, emphasizing his loyalty to Trump and conservative values. He and his high-profile supporters, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, have criticized Roy for his tumultuous relationship with Trump and Paxton.
Roy, in turn, has targeted Middleton’s limited legal experience, noting that while Middleton is a lawyer, his professional background is largely within his family-owned oil and gas business. In contrast, Roy has served as a federal prosecutor and held a key role in the attorney general’s office. His campaign has recently received a boost with $2.75 million from billionaire Alex Fairly.
The Texas attorney general’s office has evolved into a pivotal platform for advancing conservative legal initiatives, and the GOP is determined to retain this position against any Democratic challenge.
On the Democratic side, state Senator Nathan Johnson from Dallas nearly secured his party’s nomination outright but fell short of the 50% threshold. He will face former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski in the runoff, with both candidates aiming to restore the office’s nonpartisan integrity and leverage it for Democratic legal initiatives against Trump.
A Crucial Test for the Far Right in Texas
Primaries for the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas sector, typically attract little attention. However, this year, the GOP primary has turned into a high-stakes contest reflecting the influence of the party’s far-right faction, raising concerns that a victory for a hardliner could open the door for a Democrat to secure a statewide position.
Former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French, known for his controversial and often inflammatory remarks, is challenging incumbent Commissioner Jim Wright, who enters the election with endorsements from prominent GOP figures, including Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
French’s campaign has been financially supported by significant hardline conservative donors such as oil magnate Tim Dunn and his son Luke Dunn, alongside Farris Wilk, as indicated by campaign finance filings.
Wright, meanwhile, has attracted a substantial $500,000 contribution from casino mogul Miriam Adelson, along with a $10,000 donation from Dallas real estate tycoon Harlan Crow.
French has faced scrutiny for his provocative comments, including questioning whether Jews or Muslims are a greater threat to the nation, and calling for the deportation of millions at a recent conservative conference.
Wright has criticized French for focusing on social issues that fall outside the commission’s jurisdiction, emphasizing the need to keep the race centered on regulatory matters.
The winner of this battle will go on to face Democratic State Representative Jon Rosenthal from Cypress.
