Texas elections

Texas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott's strategist said it amounts to a gimmick "if they don't back it up with serious resources."

From the Texas battle for U.S. Senate to who's running to be the state's next governor, here are the key races — and candidates — to be watching as we head into 2026.

An approaching primary election was a factor in Thursday's Supreme Court decision to set aside a lower court's ruling that had blocked the Republican-backed map from taking effect. A key question moving forward is whether the lines were redrawn based on race or partisan politics.

The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.

The Secretary of State's Office didn't initially check with the Department of Public Safety, which collects proof of citizenship from people who register to vote through them.

With Texas' new map blocked by a federal court, California Democrats are emerging victorious — though the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in.

Attorneys for Texas recognized their bid to block payments was an extraordinary request.

Paxton announced Wednesday he has filed the necessary paperwork to enter the 2026 race. The Republican first declared his intentions to run earlier this year.

Paxton accuses nonprofit Jolt of an "unlawful voter registration scheme," but a legal filing provided no evidence that it registers noncitizens to vote.

Gov. Greg Abbott formally announced his fourth gubernatorial run in Houston on Sunday. The incumbent Republican, who currently has around $87 million in his campaign war chest, will face two opponents in the 2026 party primary election.