Texas Primary Shockwaves: 00 Million Senate War, Crenshaw Ousted, and a Seminarian Wins the Democratic Nomination

Texas Primary Election 2026: Key Results From the Most Expensive Primary in State History

Texas held its 2026 primary elections on March 3, delivering several surprising results that will shape the political landscape heading into November.

In the Democratic Senate primary, State Rep. James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian from Austin, defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Talarico ran on a left wing populist platform, promising to stand up to billionaires and take on Big Pharma. His campaign outspent Crockett and her supporters $25 million to $5 million on advertising.

On the Republican side, Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed to a May 26 runoff after neither cleared the 50% threshold. With more than 80% of results reported, Cornyn secured 42.1% of the vote while Paxton earned 40.9%. Congressman Wesley Hunt trailed with 13.2%.

The Republican primary alone saw nearly $100 million in spending, mostly behind Cornyn, setting the national record for a Senate primary. Another $100 million could be spent during the 12 week runoff period, making this the most expensive Senate primary in American history.

This is really the old vestiges of the traditional Republican Party against the new MAGA pugilists.

President Trump avoided endorsing any candidate before the primary, saying he liked all three Republican contenders. The question now is whether Trump will put his finger on the scale during the runoff to pick the candidate he believes can win.

In House races, redistricting played a major role. GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw lost his primary by double digits to state Rep. Steve Toth. Scandal plagued Rep. Tony Gonzales is heading to a runoff in a dead heat against a gun rights influencer.

Voting complications also marred the day. Dallas County saw hundreds of voters turned away from polling locations after GOP officials changed procedures requiring voters to cast ballots at local precincts rather than countywide polling sites. A county judge extended polling hours by two hours in response.

Cornyn vs Paxton Runoff Sets Stage for Republican Battle Over the Soul of the GOP

Crockett, despite alleging voter disenfranchisement in Dallas County, ultimately conceded and congratulated Talarico.

We must remain united because this is bigger than any one person.

Jasmine Crockett said in her concession statement.

Meanwhile, longtime Democratic Rep. Al Green, who was removed from presidential addresses to Congress twice for protesting the Trump administration, faces a runoff in a newly drawn district against Christian Menefee.

The Crusader's Opinion

Texas just showed us exactly what happens when the Republican establishment tries to drown out the grassroots with a hundred million dollars in ad money and still barely scrapes by. Cornyn and his donors spent almost five times what Paxton had and could not even clear 50%. The people are speaking. Meanwhile, a Presbyterian seminarian just won the Democratic primary by promising to fight billionaires. Christians on both sides of the aisle are hungry for leaders who actually stand for something. The real battle in this runoff is not Cornyn versus Paxton. It is whether the Republican Party will listen to its base or keep serving the donor class. And every Christian voter in Texas needs to pay attention, because whoever wins this seat will shape the laws that protect or erode our religious liberty for a generation.

Take Action

• Register to vote in the May 26 Texas runoff election. The voter registration deadline is April 27. Visit VoteTexas.gov to check your registration status.
• Research both Cornyn and Paxton's records on religious liberty, life, and family values before the runoff. Contact their campaigns directly with your priorities as a Christian voter.
• Pray for discernment among Texas voters. Organize a prayer group at your local church focused on the upcoming elections and the future of your state.
• Support organizations defending Christian values in the public square. Consider donating to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support persecuted Christians worldwide.
• Contact your elected officials and let them know that voter access matters. Hundreds of Texans were turned away in Dallas County. Call the Texas Secretary of State's office at (512) 463 5650 to report concerns.