Jade Simmons Launched Texas Senate Write-in Campaign
The independent candidate visited Baylor University after failing to secure a designated spot on the ballot.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections
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Independent U.S. Senate candidate Jade Simmons has officially launched her write-in campaign in Texas. This move follows the campaign failure to collect the 81,000 signatures required for ballot access.
Why it matters
Simmons is running as an alternative to the major parties, citing personal frustration with government dishonesty and political division. Her campaign seeks to offer voters an option outside of the Democrat and Republican tickets.
The campaign failed to reach the threshold of 81,000 signatures needed for ballot access. Consequently, Simmons must run as a write-in candidate in the November 3, 2026, U.S. Senate election.
The players
Jade Simmons
She is an independent candidate running as a write-in for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
James Talarico
He is a candidate currently running in the Texas U.S. Senate race.
Ken Paxton
He is a candidate currently running in the Texas U.S. Senate race.
The details
Simmons recently held a Q&A event at Baylor University to engage with potential supporters. She maintains that she will continue her race for the seat despite the administrative setback.
Timeline
September 2025: The campaign pledged to continue the race.
October 5, 2026: Jade Simmons held a campaign event at Baylor.
November 3, 2026: Texas U.S. Senate election.
Political Context
Independent campaigns in Texas frequently face significant institutional hurdles due to strict ballot access signature requirements. Critics of these laws often argue that such thresholds effectively limit political choice and favor established major party candidates.
Texas voters will not see Simmons name printed on the ballot, meaning they must manually write in her name to cast a vote for her. This adds a logistical step for those wishing to support her candidacy in the November general election.
The takeaway
The move highlights the significant financial and logistical barriers independent candidates face when challenging the two-party system in Texas. Voters interested in write-in options should verify the specific candidate eligibility rules in their local jurisdiction before heading to the polls.
Further reading
For more on the state's upcoming races, visit the Texas Elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baylor Lariat - The official student news source.
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