The Texas runoff elections keep several local, state, and federal contests open, defining which candidates will advance to the November ballot.
In the Houston area, attention is focused on races for Congress, Harris County, Fort Bend County, the state Legislature, and judicial offices. There are also statewide races in both parties, including nominations for the United States Senate and the Texas Attorney General.
The Republican Senate race pits John Cornyn against Ken Paxton
One of the most high-profile state races is the Republican contest for the United States Senate.
Senator John Cornyn, who seeks to remain in office, faces Ken Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General. The winner will represent the Republican Party in the November general election.
The race has drawn state and national attention due to the political heft of both candidates. Cornyn is an established figure in the federal Senate, while Paxton has built a strong base within the party’s conservative wing.
The United States Senate has two seats per state. Its members serve six-year terms and participate in federal legislation, judicial confirmations, and high-level nominations within the government.
Houston will host a Democratic race in Congressional District 18
In Houston, one of the most watched races is Congressional District 18, recently redrawn.
The Democratic race features Christian Menefee and Al Green. The district includes areas in southeast Houston, Sunnyside, Third Ward, Downtown, parts of the East End, and areas in the northeast of the city.
Menefee enters the race as a lawyer and local political figure. Green, the incumbent congressman, seeks to remain in a race that has had high visibility within Houston’s Democratic politics.
District 18 has been at the center of several recent elections, keeping voters in that area facing an intense electoral agenda. The race also unfolds in a district with historically rooted communities, working-class neighborhoods, and areas with a strong African American and Latino presence.
Several elections and Congressional races include parts of Harris and Fort Bend
Other federal contests also touch parts of the metropolitan area.
In Congressional District 7, which includes parts of Harris and Fort Bend counties, the Republican contest pits Tina Cohen against Alexander Hale.
In Congressional District 9, extending from the southwest of Houston to the east and including parts of Harris County and Liberty County, Republicans Alex Mealer and Briscoe Cain compete for the nomination.
Congressional District 14, which runs along part of the Gulf Coast from Lake Jackson to Beaumont, has a Democratic race between Thurman Bill Bartie and Richard H. Davis.
In Congressional District 38, covering suburbs such as Klein, Cypress, Katy, Tomball, and Memorial Villages, the Republican race features Jon Bonck and Shelly DeZevallos.
Memorial Day in Houston, remembrance and celebration
The Texas Attorney General appears on ballots for both parties
The race for Texas Attorney General also has contests in both parties.
On the Republican side, Chip Roy and Mayes Middleton compete for the nomination. On the Democratic side, Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski seek to advance to the general election.
The Attorney General is the state’s principal legal office. Its head represents Texas in litigation, deals with consumer protection matters, defends state policies, and enforces laws across various areas.
There is also a Democratic race for Lieutenant Governor between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez. The Lieutenant Governor presides over the state Senate and has direct influence over Texas’ legislative agenda.
Another notable state race is the Railroad Commissioner on the Republican ticket, where Jim Wright, the current commissioner, faces Bo French. Although the office’s name maintains a reference to railroads, the commission regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Harris County has elections for county judge and judicial posts
In Harris County, the race for county judge appears on both party ballots.
In the Republican contest, Orlando Sanchez and Warren A. Howell compete. In the Democratic one, Annise Parker and Letitia Plummer seek the nomination.
The county judge role plays a central part in local administration. In Harris County, the office participates in decisions about the budget, emergencies, public services, infrastructure, and county government policies.
There are also contests for Harris County District Clerk, where Darrell Jordan Jr. and Jose “Alex” Maldonado compete on the Democratic ticket.
In the 209th Criminal District Court, Brian Warren and Ysidra “Sissy” Kyles compete in a Democratic race. For Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2, the Democratic contest pits Sharon Burney and Melanie Miles.
State districts in Alief, Hiram Clarke and Katy also have pending elections
In the Texas Legislature, several Houston-area races remain open.
In Texas House District 131, which includes parts of southern Harris County, Alief, and Hiram Clarke, Staci Childs and Lawrence Allen Jr. compete on the Democratic ticket.
In District 149, which covers areas of Harris County, including parts of Alief and Katy, Darlene Breaux faces the current representative Hubert Vo in the Democratic race.
Those districts cover areas with high racial, linguistic, and economic diversity within the metro area. State legislative decisions can touch on topics such as public education, transportation, taxes, social services, health, housing, and safety.
Fort Bend County maintains races for judge and commissioners
Fort Bend County also has pending contests.
In the Democratic race for county judge, Rachelle Carter competes against Dexter McCoy. For Commissioners Court Precinct 4, there are contests in both parties: Adam Schoof and Ken Mathews on the Republican ballot, and April Jones against Brittanye Morris on the Democratic one.
Fort Bend has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the Houston area. Its local races typically touch on development, mobility, public services, housing, budgeting, safety, and community planning.
The runoff contests will determine which candidates represent their parties in November on a ballot that will include federal, state, legislative, judicial, and local offices in Texas.
