Candidates seeking their political party’s nomination for the Nov. 3 general election went head-to-head on Tuesday, May 26. These races were narrowed to the top two candidates from the March 3 primary. This midterm primary runoff marked a slight increase from 2022’s turn out rate, growing from 7.60% to 9.48%, and tested President Donald Trump’s endorsement power.
Federal offices
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ousted incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the race for U.S. Senate Republican nominee following a last minute endorsement from Trump. Despite polling predicting a narrower race, Paxton decisively secured the Republican nomination, beating Cornyn by 27.6 points. Despite Cornyn’s attempts to appeal to the president, he ultimately fell to Paxton’s longtime support of MAGA conservatism. Paxton will face off against state Rep. and Democratic nominee James Talarico in the general election.
Both parties went into a runoff in the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District’s race. Bexar County Sheriff’s Office career man Johnny Garcia secured the Democratic nomination after his opponent Maureen Galindo’s alleged antisemetic comments attracted national attention. Garcia will face Air Force veteran and Trump-endorsed conservative Carlos De La Cruz in November.
State offices
After Paxton chose not to seek reelection for the Attorney General’s office, oil company president and state Rep. Mayes Middleton won the Republican nomination over District 21 U.S. Rep. Chip Roy. Former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski led an unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic nomination against State Rep. Nathan Johnson. Johnson will face Mayes, although, so far, at a severe financial disadvantage, with less than 10% of Mayes’ funding.
Four term state Rep. Vikki Goodwin faced Houston labor leader Marcos Velez in the race for Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. Goodwin won the nomination, outspending Velez eightfold and receiving dozens of endorsements from public officials. Goodwin is set to compete against Trump-endorsed incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who was first elected in 2014.
Chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party Bo French defeated incumbent Jim Wright for the Republican Railroad Commissioner nomination 50.6% – 49.4%, in the closest race of the election. Wright was endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott and Patrick. French’s campaign embraced more unconventional issues for the position: He emphasized his support for Israel, denounced Chinese investments in Texas oil as well as what French referred to as “the Islamic invasion” of Texas. Wright sought to focus on domestic oil issues and regulations. French will face Democratic nominee Jon Rosenthal.
Regional offices
The only runoff for a seat in the Texas Senate was between business owner Marcus Cardenas and combat veteran Robert Marks Jr. for District 19’s Republican nominee. The race had $6,507 spent between the two of them. After winning by five points, Cardenas is set to face Democratic incumbent Roland Gutierrez, who has held the seat since 2021.
San Antonio teacher Adrian Reyna defeated former Bexar County Constable for Precinct 2 Michelle Barrientes Vela 80.1% – 19.9% in the Texas House District 125 for the Democratic nominee. Reyna’s platform emphasizes education and healthcare, and he is challenged by Republican entrepreneur Ricardo Martinez.
Former Associate Justice for the Fourth Court of Appeals Luz Elena Chapa’s Democratic nomination for Bexar County District Attorney over long-time DA prosecutor Jane Davis was determined by fewer than 1,000 votes. The close race comes after incumbent DA Joe Gonzalez chose not to seek reelection. Chapa faces Republican DA prosecutor Ashley Foster in November.
Incumbent Bexar County District Clerk Gloria Martinez was defeated by former DA prosecutor Christine “Chris” Castillo. Martinez is the second one-term district clerk in a row voters have chosen not to renominate, after Martinez herself replaced her successor in 2022. Castillo now runs unopposed after the Republican March primary was cancelled. If elected she would be Bexar County’s first openly LGBTQ+ district clerk.
