Texas Primary 2026: High Turnout, Chaotic Polls, and a Long Road to November
Texas kicked off the 2026 midterm election season on Tuesday with a primary that delivered record voter enthusiasm, a dramatic U.S. Senate outcome, and enough Election Day dysfunction in two major counties to keep lawyers busy well into the night.
Record Turnout, Lopsided by Party
With more than 18.6 million Texans registered to vote — a new all-time high — the stage was set for an unusually engaged primary electorate. After eight days of early voting alone, nearly 2.3 million ballots had been cast statewide, pushing early turnout to 12.3%. Of those votes, roughly 53% were cast in the Democratic primary, compared to 47% on the Republican side — a striking reversal from recent cycles.
In Travis County, home to Austin and one of the state’s most reliably blue urban centers, early voting turnout reached its highest level for a primary election in nearly two decades. Nearly 19% of the county’s 920,114 registered voters cast ballots during the early voting period alone — 14.8% in the Democratic primary and 3.77% in the Republican primary.
EARLY VOTING TOTALS FOR TRAVIS COUNTY
OVERALL VOTER TURNOUT IN TRAVIS COUNTY
On Election Day itself, Travis County saw its peak hourly turnout in the 2–3 p.m. window, with approximately 8,400 voters, and ended the day with just over 228,000 total ballots cast across all voting periods.
Political analysts attribute the Democratic surge in part to a marquee Senate matchup that generated genuine excitement. “It certainly means that there’s more hope on their side,” Southern Methodist University political science professor Matthew Wilson told KERA News, adding that Democratic voters increasingly feel they have “a fighting chance to post some real gains in the fall.”
The Senate Races That Captivated Texas
The top story on both ballots was the U.S. Senate race, with combined campaign spending exceeding $122 million — a record for any Texas Senate primary.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. James Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in one of the most closely watched intraparty fights in Texas in years, avoiding a runoff and advancing directly to November.
In Travis County, Talarico’s home turf, he captured more than 75% of the vote. Statewide, his margin was slimmer, but decisive enough to close the book on the Democratic primary.
Let’s go @jamestalarico! James represents a large part of my Austin city council district and it’s been a pleasure working with such a dedicated and talented public servant. He’s a great candidate for US Senate and can win!! A Talarico win in November changes Texas politics. pic.twitter.com/z4hLeTBCG1
— Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, III (@chitoforatx) March 4, 2026
Jasmine Crockett is a fighter who never backs down when she’s standing up for the people she represents.
— Greg Casar (@GregCasar) March 4, 2026
I know she’ll continue to energize and lead going forward.
NEW: Rep. Jasmine Crockett concedes the Texas Senate primary to James Talerico.
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) March 4, 2026
"With the primary behind us, Democrats must rally around our nominee. I'm committed to doing my part and will continue working to elect Democrats up and down the ballot."
via/ @PriscillaWT
This morning I called James and congratulated him on becoming the Senate nominee. Texas is primed to turn blue and we must remain united because this is bigger than any one person. This is about the future of all 30 million Texans and getting America back on track. With the…
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) March 4, 2026
Rep. Wesley Hunt Primary Night Remarks: "We the people and the people of Texas have spoken. Unfortunately, that person is not me." pic.twitter.com/nu8cxJP6L0
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 4, 2026
The Republican race produced a different outcome. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton will meet again in a May 26 runoff after neither cleared the 50% threshold required to avoid one. U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, who had been seen as a potential kingmaker in the race, is projected to finish third.
Sen. John Cornyn Primary Night Remarks: "We did very well as expected and we are on to the runoff." pic.twitter.com/oxnJz8LMDx
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 4, 2026
At his watch party, Paxton framed the result as a rebuke of establishment Republicans. Cornyn, for his part, wasted no time going on offense, warning that nominating Paxton would put the seat at risk.
Ken Paxton Election Night Remarks: "As votes continue to be counted, it looks like we're headed to a runoff…the people of Texas made your voices heard. After all the personal attacks…after all the lies you listened to what John Cornyn was selling and you weren't buying." pic.twitter.com/8NFxCo6ig2
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 4, 2026
In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Gov. Greg Abbott was projected the winner with more than 83% of the vote, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick secured his own nomination without serious challenge.
Gov. Greg Abbott Gives Victory Remarks at Election Watch Party in Austin: "Thanks you for the resounding victory. Thank you for making me your nominee to be your next governor for the great state of Texas." pic.twitter.com/qpN27bBraH
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 4, 2026
The Republican attorney general primary, however, produced another runoff: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton will face each other in May after no candidate in the four-person field reached a majority.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and will face Abbott in November.
A SHOCKING UPSET
Rep. Dan Crenshaw was blindsided by a GOP primary loss in Texas House District 2 after being eyed for replacement by Republican challenger Steve Toth.
— AF Post (@AFpost) March 4, 2026
Crenshaw, a seven-year incumbent, has faced growing criticism from constituents who say he lost sight of their interests. He… pic.twitter.com/O2X9eCIcBP
PODCAST
Chaos at the Polls: Dallas and Williamson Counties
The night’s most contentious storyline unfolded not in the vote tallies but at the polls themselves, where a Republican-driven rule change created mass confusion in Dallas and Williamson counties.
In both counties, local Republican parties opted out of the long-standing countywide voting system — which allowed voters to cast ballots at any polling location in the county — and instead required voters to go to their specific precinct polling site on Election Day. Under Texas law, both parties must agree to countywide voting for the system to be in effect. With Republicans opting out, Democrats had no choice but to follow.
The consequences were immediate and severe.
Dallas County elections spokesman Nicholas Solorzano confirmed officials were seeing confusion “quite a bit across the county,” with voters arriving at familiar polling locations only to be turned away and redirected to precincts sometimes miles away. Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman said more than 1,000 voters had already been sent to the wrong sites before the evening was out, and the county election office website crashed under the volume of voters trying to find their correct precinct. Adding to the mess, new precinct lines drawn during Texas’s mid-decade redistricting weren’t finalized until December, leaving little time to inform the public.
A Dallas County judge granted an emergency petition from the local Democratic Party, ordering Democratic polling locations to remain open until 9 p.m. — two hours past the scheduled 7 p.m. closing time, citing “voter confusion so severe” it had crashed the county’s website. But just before that extension expired, the Texas Supreme Court stepped in and stayed the lower court’s order, ruling that voting should proceed only as permitted under the Texas Election Code and that any ballots cast by voters not already in line at 7 p.m. must be set aside as provisional ballots.
In Williamson County, north of Austin, Democrats reported similar problems. Unlike in Dallas, however, Democrats there were ultimately unsuccessful in extending voting hours countywide — a voicemail at the county election office simply declared “the polls are now closed” after the scheduled closing time. Democrats did succeed in getting two individual precincts to remain open.
In El Paso, a separate problem emerged: technical failures with electronic voter check-in systems at roughly two-thirds of polling sites prompted authorities to extend voting hours there by one hour.
What It All Means for May and November
The May 26 runoff calendar is now set, and the stakes are high. The Cornyn-Paxton matchup will be among the most consequential Republican primaries in the country. Paxton, whose tenure as attorney general has been defined by controversy, represents a sharper ideological edge that Democrats believe gives them a better chance in November. Cornyn’s camp is making precisely that argument within GOP circles. The attorney general runoff between Roy and Middleton adds another ideologically charged race to the May ballot.
For Democrats, Talarico heads into the fall with momentum and unified party support, but the general election hurdle remains formidable. No Texas Democrat has won a statewide race since 1994. Democratic primary turnout outpacing Republican turnout is an encouraging sign, but as history shows, primary participation doesn’t always translate to November results — in 2008, Democrats cast more than two-thirds of all primary ballots in Texas, and Republican John McCain still won the state comfortably.
The unresolved question hanging over Election Night — whether provisional ballots cast during the extended Dallas hours will ultimately be counted — could take weeks to resolve and may yet have legal consequences. Democrats have signaled they intend to fight. The episode also raises broader questions about election administration heading into November: if precinct-based confusion cost votes in a primary, what safeguards will be in place for the much higher-turnout general election?
Texas remains a state where the Republican structural advantage is real but narrowing. The 2026 cycle may not flip the state, but the enthusiasm, the spending, and yes, even the chaos at the polls suggest Texas is no longer content to sit quietly on the sidelines.
Results reflect unofficial returns as of the evening of March 3, 2026. Final certification is expected by March 25, 2026.
FBI Probes Austin 6th Street Shooting as Possible Terrorism: What We Know
Austin is reeling this week after a horrific mass shooting in the heart of its downtown nightlife district left three people dead and 14 others injured in the early hours of Sunday morning — and investigators are now racing to determine whether the attack had ties to terrorism.
The shooting unfolded just before 2 a.m. at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street, one of the city’s most popular late-night corridors. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was shot and killed by Austin police officers at the scene.
According to police, the attack was methodical and chilling. Diagne drove a large SUV past the bar several times before stopping, turning on his hazard lights, and opening fire with a handgun on patrons at the patio and in front of the building. He then parked nearby, got out, and continued shooting — this time with both a pistol and a rifle — as he moved east along Sixth Street.
The Victims
The two victims killed in the attack were identified as 19-year-old former Texas Tech University student Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old University of Texas at Austin student Savitha Shan. A third victim, 30-year-old Minnesota mixed martial arts fighter Jorge Pederson, was taken off life support the day after the shooting. Three other patients remain in critical condition.
The family of 21-year-old Savitha Shan, one of the students at UT Austin who was tragically killed in the mass shooting at a downtown Austin bar early Sunday, has put out the following statement, and shared with us this photo of her.@cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/dM5SZDGhh8
— Vinny Martorano (@VinnyMartorano) March 3, 2026
The Investigation
The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation from the Austin Police Department. At a Sunday press conference, the bureau said there were “indicators” of terrorism connected to the attack. Investigators are working to determine whether Diagne was motivated by recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, though law enforcement officials caution it is too early to draw firm conclusions. Investigators are also examining his criminal history and mental health status.
A search warrant executed at Diagne’s home turned up an Islamic Republic of Iran flag and pictures of Iranian leaders. Diagne was reportedly wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” with an undershirt bearing an Iranian flag design.
Diagne first entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa and became a lawful permanent resident six years later after marrying a U.S. citizen. He became a naturalized citizen in 2013. He was not on the radar of authorities before the attack, federal and local investigators confirmed Monday.
The Response
Austin-Travis County EMS received the call at 1:59 a.m. and had paramedics and officers on scene within 57 seconds. Mayor Kirk Watson credited that speed with saving lives.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza issued a statement Tuesday responding to rumors circulating online that he would seek criminal charges against the three Austin Police officers who fatally shot a man early Sunday as he was engaged in a deadly mass shooting outside of a downtown bar. (Austin American-Statesman)
🚨THIS TIME, JOSE GARZA GOT IT RIGHT 🚨
— TMPA (@TMPALegislative) March 4, 2026
TMPA has been one of the harshest critics of Travis County DA José Garza. And yes, we’ve been a loud critic. But we would be remiss if we didn’t give him a nod when he gets it right.
The Austin officers who stopped the 6th Street terror… pic.twitter.com/u9eQrREO2v
Governor Greg Abbott said the FBI is working alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety to determine whether Diagne acted alone or had connections to a wider network, vowing that “every last trail or piece of information” would be pursued.
The shooting has ignited fierce political debate — over immigration, gun laws, and the potential link to Middle East tensions — while a grieving city mourns three young lives cut short on what should have been an ordinary Saturday night out.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide. One woman was found dead on Tuesday.
Williamson County authorities have made an arrest in connection with a recent overdose death that occurred last month.
The Round Rock Police Department arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries at hotels along the I-35 corridor.
Reports of a carjacking downtown overnight. The victim was reportedly run over by the vehicle after the theft.
(Timestamp is PST. Actual time of call was 1:34 a.m. CST.)
Caldwell County authorities discovered a burned body inside a vehicle Monday.
Important announcement‼️
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) March 3, 2026
On April 1, Allegiant & Frontier flights will begin operating from the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
And no, this is NOT one of our infamous April Fool’s jokes.
Learn more here: https://t.co/KBPzu8GMFL#AUSUnderOneRoof pic.twitter.com/bC9oAfp3aA
We've been workin' on the rail road… again! At the North Burnet Uptown ATX Rail Station. 🚉 pic.twitter.com/ke9yghTuYy
— CapMetro (@CapMetroATX) March 2, 2026
The Texas Department of Transportation has told the city of Austin it must accept a proposed funding agreement for a $25 million boardwalk along Lady Bird Lake, or risk losing the project altogether. (KUUT 90.5)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound I-35 at FM 150/Center Street in Kyle, lane reduction on Tuesday, March 4, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., for cleanup work. #ATXtraffic #Kyle pic.twitter.com/LtuibfBpEF
— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) March 3, 2026
WEATHER
TUESDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
Tuesday was a record-breaker at ABIA, besting the old high temperature record set in 1974.
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
At Camp Mabry, the record from 1901 was tied.
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
LAKE TRAVIS WEATHER TIMELAPSE
Camp Mystic faces a pivotal legal challenge as a hearing seeks to close the camp amid lawsuits from last summer’s tragic flood victims.
A masked man was arrested outside the Marriott Dallas Uptown, where an election-night watch party for Ken Paxton was scheduled to take place Tuesday evening.
BREAKING: Dallas Police Department arrested a man who had firearms and ammunition outside Attorney General Ken Paxton’s watch party camping for U.S. Senate, tonight.
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) March 4, 2026
“…officers were notified of a suspicious individual….The individual entered a vehicle that did not display a… pic.twitter.com/ygvomFuGyd
Voters turned away. Poll hours extended by a judge. An order from the Texas Supreme Court overruling that judge. A hearing that will determine which votes will be counted. And that’s just Dallas County. It’s been a wild primary election all across Texas, from surprising wins to unexpected runoffs. In this primary hangover edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons cut through the confusion with our panel of experts.
A Muslim parent has sued Texas leaders for excluding Islamic private schools from participating in the state’s private school voucher program. (San Antonio Current)
TEXAS TEN MOST WANTED – MARCH 2026
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASEBALL: For the third consecutive Tuesday night, No. 3 Texas notched a run-rule win, topping Houston Christian, 16-3, in seven innings at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The Longhorns scored in five of their six trips to the plate against the Huskies (6-7), highlighted by 14 runs over the final three complete frames. (Texas Longhorns)
ON THE SCHEDULE
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: In SEC action tonight, the Texas Longhorns are in Fayetteville to face No. 18 Arkansas.
Last night, the Texas A&M Aggies scored a conference win at home.
Rylan Griffen and Ruben Dominguez came off the bench to score 21 and 17 points respectively and Texas A&M defeated Kentucky 96-85 on Tuesday night. (Associated Press)
ON THE SCHEDULE
In the Big 12 tonight:
NBA: The San Antonio Spurs got right back to their winning ways Tuesday night.
Dylan Harper scored 22 points and Victor Wembanyama needed only 10 to help the San Antonio Spurs bounce back from their first loss in 12 games and rout the Philadelphia 76ers 131-91 on Tuesday night. (Associated Press)
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are still the Mavericks.
No games on the schedule tonight for San Antonio, Dallas or Houston.
NHL: The Dallas Stars are so hot right now you’d think the ice would melt.
Sam Steel scored twice and added an assist and the Dallas Stars extended their franchise-record winning streak to 10 games with a 6-1 romp over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. (Associated Press)
ON THE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
The Daytripper has partnered with The Nature Conservancy in Texas on a journey across the Lone Star State. From coastal shores to the rugged West, meet the people helping to protect over 1 million acres of diverse Texas lands—rich with native plants, unexpected springs and extraordinary animals. Discover how conservation preserves these stunning, rapidly changing landscapes for generations ahead.
Part One of Three: West Texas
