Texas votes in high-stakes primaries in test of appetite for change under Trump

The first votes of the 2026 midterm cycle will be cast in Texas, with high-stakes US Senate primaries and congressional contests taking place on Tuesday. The Senate race pits four-term incumbent John Cornyn against Ken Paxton, the state's attorney general, while Democrats choose between James Talarico and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. Early voting has soared, particularly among Democrats, and political ad spending has surpassed $122m, making it the most expensive Senate primary on record. The contests are testing both parties' appetite for change in the Trump era. Republicans are concerned about losing a seat once viewed as safely red, while Democrats are hopeful about their chances in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. The races will determine nominees for critical Senate and congressional seats.

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