Texas voters have narrowed the field after a high-stakes primary, setting up several major runoffs ahead of the May election.
U.S. Senate
State Rep. James Talarico clinched the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate with 53% of the vote. The Austin lawmaker and former teacher will advance to November.
On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is headed to a runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after neither surpassed 50%. The GOP showdown is expected to intensify ahead of May.
November matchup: Talarico vs. Cornyn or Paxton.
Texas Governor
Gov. Greg Abbott secured over 80% of the Republican primary vote as he seeks a fourth term.
Democrats nominated State Rep. Gina Hinojosa with 60%, setting up a general election clash in a state that hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 1990.
November matchup: Abbott vs. Hinojosa.
Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick easily won the GOP primary. Democrats will see a runoff between State Rep. Vikki Goodwin and Houston labor leader Marcos Velez.
The Attorney General race is also runoff-bound. Republicans Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy will face off in May. On the Democratic side, State Sen. Nathan Johnson is likely headed to a runoff against attorney Joe Jaworski.
North Texas House Races
In District 30, Dallas pastor Freddy Haynes won the Democratic nomination.
In District 33, former Congressman Colin Allred is attempting a political comeback, while incumbent Julie Johnson seeks to hold her seat. Both parties face runoffs.
Dallas County District Attorney
Former Judge Amber Givens holds a narrow lead over incumbent John Creuzot in the Democratic primary. With no Republican challenger, the winner will likely become the next DA.
Texas Comptroller
Former State Sen. Don Huffines won the Republican nomination for Texas Comptroller, defeating acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock despite Gov. Abbott’s endorsement of Hancock.
Runoffs are scheduled for May, with November’s general election now coming into sharper focus.
For more on the midterm elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.