TEXAS ELECTION WATCH | NOVEMBER 3–4, 2026
Texas, what are we watching unfold tonight? Democrats are showing serious strength in the early returns, and for a state that has been reliably Republican in statewide elections for decades, these numbers are turning heads.
Democrats are leading in key statewide contests
In the latest results snapshot available from KRIS, Democrat Gina Hinojosa was leading Republican Gov. Greg Abbott 57% to 42%, with 26% of the vote reported. In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat James Talarico was ahead of Republican Ken Paxton 59% to 40%, with 29% reporting.
Those are significant early numbers. The Texas Tribune’s live results tracker identifies the Associated Press as its election-data source and explains that its checkmark means AP has projected a winner. At the time of this report, the results cited here are partial returns, not a final call or certified outcome.
Why this moment matters
Texas has been a tough statewide map for Democrats for years. The Texas Tribune noted before Election Day that Democrats saw this cycle as their strongest opportunity in years to flip a U.S. Senate seat and compete for multiple statewide offices.
So yes, I think these numbers are worth getting excited about. They are putting races that many people expected Republicans to control into a very different conversation. If these leads hold, Texas could be entering a new political era.
Follow the numbers
Track the statewide races through The Texas Tribune’s live results page and the KRIS live election results page.
Sources:
KRIS — Live Texas election results
The Texas Tribune — 2026 Texas general election results and data methodology
The Texas Tribune — Election-night live coverage
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