Early Voting Begins in Texas Senate Primaries Ahead of March 3 Election

In Brief

Texas voters started early voting for Senate primaries scheduled for March 3, 2026.

Key Facts

• Early voting for Texas Senate primaries began on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, ahead of the March 3 election date
• The Republican primary includes incumbent Senator Ted Cruz and challenger Don Huffines, who is aligned with former President Donald Trump
• Democratic candidates include Beto O’Rourke and other contenders seeking to win statewide office in Texas
• Texas has not elected a Democrat to a statewide office since 1994, according to historical election data
• Both Republican and Democratic Senate primary races are active as voters participate in early voting

What Happened

Early voting started on February 20, 2024, in Texas for the Senate primaries scheduled on March 3. The Republican primary features incumbent Senator Ted Cruz and challenger Don Huffines, who has expressed support for former President Donald Trump. Democratic candidates, including Beto O’Rourke, are competing for the nomination in a state where Democrats have not won statewide office since 1994.

Why It Matters

The Texas Senate primaries are part of the 2026 midterm election cycle and may influence party representation in the U.S. Senate. The Republican primary includes a contest between an incumbent and a challenger with ties to former President Trump. Democrats are seeking to increase their competitiveness in Texas statewide races, which have historically favored Republicans.