High-stakes Texas primaries, shifting demographics, and intense party infighting

Texas heads into the 2026 primary elections with crowded fields for U.S. Senate, key congressional districts, and high-profile statehouse seats, as new redistricting maps upend Central Texas political boundaries. Turnout is surging, driven by competitive Democratic and Republican contests, targeted outreach to Latino and South Asian voters, and grassroots campaigns urging participation on hot-button issues like school vouchers and ballot propositions. Former President Trump’s endorsements, intra-GOP rivalries, and a fiery Democratic Senate showdown make these primaries an early test of whether Texas politics continue their rightward tilt or move toward a more competitive two-party landscape.