SAN ANTONIO – Texas voters are gearing up for a decisive runoff election on May 26, where they will address the unfinished business from the March Primary. This election is crucial as it will determine who will appear on the ballot for the November general election or who will take office in the coming year.
The runoff will feature contests where no candidate achieved the required 50% plus one of the vote in the primary. Among these, the spotlight is on the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, with incumbent John Cornyn facing off against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. In the March primary, Cornyn garnered 42% of the vote, narrowly edging out Paxton, who received 41%. This competitive race has drawn attention given the field of nine candidates vying for the seat.
Both candidates have been vying for an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, but as of now, no endorsement has been made. Following the primary, Trump indicated he would support one of the candidates, expecting the other to withdraw, though neither has shown willingness to step aside.
The winner of this Senate race will face Democratic nominee James Talarico, an Austin-area state representative and former educator who successfully defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the primary.
Another significant race is unfolding in the newly redrawn Congressional District 35, previously held by Greg Casar, who has now been realigned into District 37 due to last year’s redistricting. Both parties are keenly interested in securing this seat.
On the Republican side, the runoff will feature Carlos De La Cruz and John Lujan, who were the top candidates out of a field of 11. Lujan, who is relinquishing his Texas House seat to pursue this opportunity, received 33% of the vote, while De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and brother to U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, garnered 27%. Notably, Trump endorsed De La Cruz early in the campaign, which may influence voter turnout.
On the Democratic side, the race has tightened between Maureen Galindo, who received 29% of the vote, and Johnny Garcia, who earned 27%. Both candidates successfully advanced past two other contenders to secure their spots in the runoff. Garcia, a former spokesperson for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and Galindo, a housing advocate and marriage and family therapist, represent a dynamic choice for voters.
In Bexar County, the race for the Democratic nomination for District Attorney has narrowed down from eight candidates to two: Luz Elena Chapa and Jane Davis. Chapa, a former appellate judge, received 27% of the vote, while Davis, who serves as the chief of the juvenile section in the Bexar County DA’s Office, earned 18%. The winner of this runoff will face Republican Ashley Foster in November, as well as any independent candidate who qualifies for the ballot. It is worth mentioning that outgoing District Attorney Joe Gonzales, who is not seeking re-election, has endorsed Jane Davis as his successor.
Voters in Texas will also be tasked with deciding on various other positions, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, state representative, state senator, county clerk, and district clerk, depending on their party affiliation and precinct.
Early voting for the runoff election is set to commence on Monday, May 18, and will continue until Friday, May 22. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The Bexar County Democratic sample ballot can be viewed below:
The Bexar County Republican sample ballot can be viewed below:
