Texas Primary Results 2024: Senate, House & Governor Races Live Updates
Texas voters cast their ballots on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in a primary election that’s already shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the state and national Republican party. The closely watched contests, particularly for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn, have drawn significant attention and spending, exceeding $95 million, according to reports. Early voting data suggests a strong turnout, with Democrats outpacing Republicans in the initial stages of voting, potentially signaling a competitive general election in November.
A Three-Way Battle for the Senate Nomination
The Republican primary for U.S. Senate features a clash between Senator John Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt. The race has become a proxy battle within the GOP, pitting the party establishment’s preference for Cornyn against challenges from Paxton and Hunt, who appeal to a more conservative base. The Texas Tribune reports that Washington Republicans have heavily invested in Cornyn’s reelection, fearing that a Paxton victory could jeopardize the party’s control of the Senate.
Polling data, as of late February 2026, indicated a tight race, with Paxton holding a slight lead over Cornyn, averaging 39% to 35% according to 270toWin. Hunt trails with approximately 18% of the vote. The fragmented support suggests the likelihood of a runoff election in May, where the top two candidates will face off for the nomination. Donald Trump has notably refrained from endorsing a candidate in the primary, adding another layer of complexity to the contest.
Democratic Primaries Heat Up
On the Democratic side, state Representative James Talarico and U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett are vying for the opportunity to challenge the Republican nominee in the general election. This is considered by many operatives to be the Democrats’ best chance to win a statewide race in Texas since Beto O’Rourke’s near-miss in 2018. The Democratic primary has also seen significant investment, and polling has been volatile, with each candidate leading in different surveys. Interestingly, Republicans are reportedly spending money to boost Crockett, believing she would be a more vulnerable opponent in the general election, regardless of who wins the Republican primary.
Beyond the Senate: Other Key Races
The primary elections extend beyond the Senate race. Governor Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is running for reelection. 270toWin indicates that Patrick faces three primary challengers but is expected to secure the Republican nomination. On the Democratic side, state Representative Vikki Goodwin is considered a leading contender to challenge Patrick. Other statewide offices, including Attorney General, Land Commissioner, and Railroad Commissioner, also have competitive primary contests.
Understanding Texas’ Primary System
Texas utilizes a partisan primary system, meaning voters choose to participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary. The winner of each primary then advances to the general election in November. A key feature of the Texas primary system is the runoff election. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a primary contest, the top two candidates proceed to a runoff election, typically held several weeks after the initial primary. This runoff process is particularly relevant in the closely contested Senate and potentially other races.
Live Results and Ongoing Updates
As counties across Texas report vote totals, live results are being updated in real-time. America First Insight is providing a county-by-county breakdown of the primary election results for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and Governor. These results will offer a clearer picture of voter preferences and the direction of the Texas Republican and Democratic parties.
The outcome of these primaries will have significant implications for the upcoming general election and the balance of power in Washington. The high level of spending and the intense competition underscore the importance of Texas in national politics. The results will be closely watched by both parties as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
What to expect in the coming weeks: The focus will now shift to analyzing the primary results and preparing for potential runoff elections. Candidates will be refining their strategies and messaging as they gear up for the general election. Political analysts will be dissecting the data to understand the factors that drove voter turnout and the preferences of different segments of the electorate. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the narrative and determining the outcome of the November election.