Texas Primary Filing Opens Amid Speculation Over Key Candidates

AUSTIN, Texas — The countdown to the 2026 midterm elections continues as the filing period for primary candidates opens Saturday, allowing Texans a month to declare their candidacies. The winners of the primaries will move on to the November general election, where voters will select nominees for various offices.

This year’s primaries promise to be contentious, especially with questions surrounding key races. Notably, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Dallas, is exploring a run for the Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. Crockett has stated that she will not enter a race she believes she cannot win, actively analyzing polling data regarding her viability.

Democrats view Attorney General Ken Paxton’s decision to run for the GOP Senate nomination as an opportunity, betting that Paxton’s controversial background may weaken him in a general election. Crockett, however, has expressed skepticism about whether Cornyn can be defeated, indicating that her Senate candidacy hinges on the strength of the Republican nominee.

Polling suggests that if Crockett enters the race, she could significantly influence the Democratic primary landscape, where she currently has a lead over opponents Colin Allred and James Talarico. A recent poll indicates Crockett has 31% support, well ahead of Talarico and former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke, who trail at 25%.

Another complication arises from the rare mid-decade redrawing of Texas’ congressional map, which has left several Democrats, including Crockett, U.S. Representatives Marc Veasey and Julie Johnson, reassessing their political futures as district boundaries shift.

For instance, Johnson has announced her intention to run in the District 33 primary, while Veasey contemplates options for reelection in District 30, which has gained a significant Tarrant County population.

Meanwhile, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, who switched parties last year from Democrat to Republican, insists he is focused on his role as mayor and will not run for higher office in 2026. Despite the political tension regarding Johnson’s potential candidacy, observers remain watchful, particularly as the candidate filing deadline approaches.

As Texas prepares for the upcoming electoral landscape, what remains clear is that candidates must navigate a complex web of challenges and changing dynamics leading up to the primaries.