Texas and Bexar County Primary Runoff Election Results: Major Winners and Key Race Outcomes
Texas voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to resolve a series of primary runoffs, effectively setting the stage for the November general election. The results from these contests have provided a clearer picture of the political landscape, defining the final matchups for key federal, state, and local offices across Bexar County and beyond.
Shifting Political Landscapes
The most prominent federal result of the evening saw Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeat incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican runoff for a U.S. Senate seat. Paxton is now set to challenge Democrat James Talarico in the fall.
At the state level, the race for attorney general is also now defined. State Sen. Nathan Johnson secured the Democratic nomination, while State Sen. Mayes Middleton won the Republican primary. They will face off in November to fill the seat being vacated by Paxton.
Did You Know? Several local offices in Bexar County, including the district clerk, the county clerk, and the seat for Judge of the Bexar County Court at Law No. 10, will not feature a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election cycle.
Local Races and Future Implications
Bexar County voters finalized several critical local nominations. Former appellate Judge Luz Elena Chapa narrowly defeated prosecutor Jane Davis for the Democratic nomination for district attorney. Chapa will move on to face Republican Ashley Foster in the race to succeed the retiring DA, Joe Gonzales.
In the congressional arena, U.S. House District 35 will feature a contest between Bexar County sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia and Carlos De La Cruz. Both candidates secured their respective party nominations, setting up a general election showdown for the open seat.
Expert Insight: The resolution of these runoffs marks a transition from internal party vetting to broad-spectrum campaigning. With the primary fields now narrowed, candidates may shift their focus toward mobilizing general election voters, as the ideological contrasts between the remaining nominees in races like the Texas AG contest become the central theme of the autumn cycle.
Looking Ahead
While most races were decided, some remain in flux. As of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Republican runoff for Texas railroad commissioner between Bo French and Jim Wright had not yet been finalized, with French holding a lead. Similarly, the outcome for the Republican nomination for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 remains in play, with Thomas Smith currently positioned to move forward.
As the state moves toward November, voters can expect intensified campaigning as the final nominees work to define their platforms for the general electorate. For those seeking comprehensive data on the night’s tallies, full results from the 2026 Texas Primary Runoff Elections can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Ken Paxton face in the November election?
Ken Paxton will face Democrat James Talarico in the race for the U.S. Senate.
Which local Bexar County races did not have a Republican candidate in 2026?
The races for Bexar County district clerk, Bexar County clerk, and Judge of the Bexar County Court at Law No. 10 did not have Republican candidates.
Who is the Democratic nominee for the Texas lieutenant governor race?
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin secured the Democratic nomination and will face incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in the fall.
Which of these primary outcomes do you believe will have the most significant impact on the upcoming general election?