By — Camille Baker, Associated Press Camille Baker, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/live-results-texas-governor-midterm-election Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Live Results: Texas governor midterm election Politics Nov 3, 2026 9:30 AM EST WATCH LIVE: Election night 2026 PBS News special coverage WASHINGTON (AP) — The 2026 midterm election is one of the biggest tests of Republican dominance in Texas — and Democrats' best shot in decades at winning a key U.S. Senate seat in the state. Voters in the Lone Star state will cast ballots in a hotly contested U.S. Senate race and elect U.S. House representatives to districts newly redrawn to favor Republican candidates in contests that could be decisive in Democrats' bid to retake control of Congress. Voters will also elect a governor, state and local representatives and judges, and decide on ballot measures. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Facing off in the race for Senate are Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton, the state's embattled attorney general…
Live Results: Texas governor midterm election
In short
The high-profile Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on track to become the most expensive in United States history amid unprecedented campaign spending. By mid-October, Talarico amassed over $146.3 million in direct donations, while Paxton’s bid has been heavily bolstered by independent expenditures. In particular, Texas resident Elon Musk contributed $158 million to a Republican super PAC that aided Paxton, in addition to giving $10 million directly to the pro-Paxton Lone Star Liberty PAC. Beyond the Senate fight, closely watched House contests in newly redrawn districts could impact the balance of power in Congress.
Key points
- The marquee Senate matchup represents a major test of Republican dominance in a state tha…: The marquee Senate matchup represents a major test of Republican dominance in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988.
- Ken Paxton secured the Republican nomination after defeating longtime incumbent Senator J…: Ken Paxton secured the Republican nomination after defeating longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn with an endorsement from Donald Trump.
- Down-ballot U.S. House races in newly altered districts, including the 15th and 34th dist…: Down-ballot U.S. House races in newly altered districts, including the 15th and 34th districts, carry significant implications for federal legislative control.