Texas Voters Will Head to Polls November 3, 2026
The 2026 Texas general election will feature contests for U.S. Senate, the state governor, and congressional seats.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Elections
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Texas voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, for a general election that includes races for the U.S. Senate and all 38 U.S. House of Representatives seats. The ballot also features the gubernatorial race, marking a key cycle for state leadership.
Why it matters
This election follows a 2025 congressional redistricting effort that reshaped boundaries, potentially impacting political representation across the state. Decisions made by voters in this cycle will determine representation for U.S. Senate terms and the state governor office.
The election includes races for a U.S. Senate seat, all 38 Texas U.S. House seats, and the governor of Texas. These positions carry term lengths of six years, two years, and four years, respectively.
The players
Ken Paxton
He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 general election.
James Talarico
He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming election cycle.
Greg Abbott
He is the current governor of Texas and a candidate seeking another term.
Gina Hinojosa
She is a candidate for the office of the governor of Texas.
The details
Voters can register through October 5, 2026, while the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 23, 2026. Residents in areas like Waco, situated in Congressional District 17, can utilize campus locations or the McLennan County Elections office for registration and voter information.
Timeline
Texas congressional redistricting occurred in 2025.
The voter registration deadline in Texas is October 5, 2026.
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 23, 2026.
Texas general election day is November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current redistricting map argue that the lines diminish the voting power of minority communities and dilute partisan competition in urban centers. These groups continue to push for judicial review to challenge the legislative districts finalized in 2025.
Voters must meet the October 5 deadline to be eligible to participate in the November 3 general election. Failing to register or apply for a mail-in ballot by the state-mandated cutoff dates will preclude residents from casting a ballot in these contests.
The takeaway
Participation in the 2026 general election requires adherence to specific state-level deadlines for registration and ballot applications. Texans should confirm their status early to ensure they are prepared to vote in their newly established districts.
What happens next
Registered voters in McLennan County can view sample ballots on the McLennan County Elections Website as they are published.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming election, visit the Elections section.
More information
View sample ballots and find registration locations on the McLennan County Elections Website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baylor Lariat - The official student news source.
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