Casar and Peña to Face Off in November 3 Election
The race for the newly created District 37 seat will conclude with the election on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Utilities
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Incumbent Greg Casar and challenger Lauren Peña are competing for the U.S. House District 37 seat in the November 3, 2026, election. The district was recently formed as part of a state congressional map redraw.
Why it matters
The election decides who will represent the residents of the newly established district covering most of Central Austin in the U.S. House of Representatives. This race reflects broader shifts in regional representation following the state's redistricting process.
The U.S. House comprises 435 total seats, with Texas currently holding 38 of those positions. Each representative elected in November will serve a two-year term starting in 2027.
The players
Greg Casar
He is the current incumbent representative for District 35 and a candidate for the newly formed District 37.
Lauren Peña
She is a paralegal, mother of six, and a candidate running for the U.S. House District 37 seat.
The details
Greg Casar is running for the new seat because his previous District 35 no longer includes Austin under the redrawn map. Lauren Peña, a paralegal and mother of six, is campaigning to represent the perspectives of public housing residents.
Timeline
2020: Lauren Peña began living in public housing.
2026: State congressional maps were redrawn.
April 2026: Greg Casar outlined his New Affordability Agenda.
November 3, 2026: The election date for the District 37 seat.
2027: The winner begins serving in the U.S. House.
Market Landscape
The 2026 state congressional redistricting plan restructured the region by creating five additional Republican seats. This realignment forced the competitive shift for District 37, which now encompasses most of Central Austin.
Residents of District 37 will soon select a representative who will shape federal policy for their community. The outcome will influence the legislative priorities for Central Austin over the next two-year term.
The takeaway
Voters in District 37 are deciding between an incumbent proposing a New Affordability Agenda and a challenger focused on public housing representation. The result will determine the regional voice in the U.S. House for the coming years.
What happens next
The election will take place on November 3, 2026, followed by the commencement of the new congressional term in early 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local legislative developments on the Austin Utilities section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUT.
Live Poll
Do you believe lived experience in public housing makes for a better representative for your area?
