See 2026 Texas midterm election results from key local races

9.8 million Texans cast ballots in this year's midterm election, which is a record setting number for a midterm election. North Texas's largest counties also set midterm election records too, according to early results from the Secretary of State's Office.

Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton County residents cast a combined 2,384,340 ballots.

The statewide turnout was 51.64% of registered voters, slightly shy of the 2018 turnout of 53%. 

Dallas voters rejected the city's Proposition A , which would have approved $443 million in taxpayer-backed bonds for police, fire and emergency services facilities, including public-safety training facilities and a new fire station.

The city listed the breakdown for each project as follows: 

• $82 million for a Dallas Police Department law enforcement training center
• $149 million for a public safety training complex
• $40 million for an emergency operations center and 911 facility
• $150 million for police evidence storage and a crime lab
• $22 million to replace Fire Station No. 4

The ballot stated that taxes would be levied to repay the bonds. 

Democrat James Talarico appeared on "CBS Mornings" Wednesday following his decisive victory in the Texas Senate election. 

He said he wanted to use his opportunity in the Senate to get big money out of politics, overhaul campaign finance laws and limit the influence of the ultra-wealthy like Elon Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO poured $150 million into boosting Republican Ken Paxton in the race.

"The power in this state, in this country, belongs to the people and we've got to make sure it stays that way," Talarico said.

"This was bigger than the Democratic Party, than the Republican Party, this was about Texans across the political spectrum demanding change in our government and so I think it was a victory for all Texans last night, and even the Texans who didn't vote for me. I want to be their senator too. I want to serve them, I want to fight for them and make their lives easier and better and less stressful," he said.

Read more from Talarico's "CBS Mornings" interview here.

Tarrant County's reputation as the largest Republican county in the nation may be coming to an end. Democrats took victories in all contested countywide races, as well as a majority on the commissioner's court.

According to unofficial results on the county's election website, Democrat Alisa Simmons defeated incumbent Republican Tim O'Hare for county judge, the county's top executive. In the race for criminal district attorney, Democrat Tiffany Burks unseated Republican incumbent Phil Sorrells. Democrats also won the races for district clerk, county clerk and multiple judicial districts.

Two closely watched legislative seats also went to Democrats. State Sen. Taylor Rehmet won reelection to a full term over Leigh Wambsganss in Senate District 9, in what was a rematch of a special election from February. In state House District 94, which includes parts of Fort Worth, Hurst, Bedford and Arlington, Democrat Katie O'Brien Duzan defeated Republican Cheryl Bean. The incumbent, Republican state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, did not seek reelection. Instead, he ran for a seat on the Tarrant County Commissioner's Court, which he lost by about 10 percentage points.

Dallas County voters rejected Proposition A on Tuesday, a measure that would increase the county's property tax rate to generate an estimated $102.9 million for programs addressing homelessness, mental health treatment and housing. 

The measure asked voters to approve a 2.4-cent increase per $100 of taxable property value, raising the county's property tax rate to $0.248650 per $100. 

Republican U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne will win reelection in Texas' 24th Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Kevin Burge, CBS News projects.

The victory gives Van Duyne a fourth term in Congress, where she has represented portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties since January 2021.

Plano voters rejected Proposition A on Tuesday, a ballot measure that would authorize new venue-related taxes to help finance a proposed Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district at the Shops at Willow Bend.

The measure asked voters to authorize several taxes that could help fund the city's contribution to the proposed $3 billion development, which would include a new hockey arena, restaurants, shops and public spaces.

Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin has defeated incumbent Republican Dan Patrick in the Texas lieutenant governor's race, delivering a major upset in the Nov. 3 midterm election, CBS News projects. 

Patrick called Goodwin to concede, his campaign announced after midnight Wednesday.  

Democrat Jon Rosenthal won the Texas Railroad Commissioner race, CBS News projects, defeating Republican Bo French after the GOP candidate refused to reconsider his racist, anti-Muslim and antisemitic comments.

With about 93% of votes counted, Rosenthal led French 52.5% to 45.6%.

Democrat James Talarico celebrated his victory over Republican Ken Paxton, telling supporters that people could overcome wealthy political donors and the Washington establishment.

Republican Ken Paxton congratulated Democrat James Talarico following his loss in the Texas U.S. Senate race Tuesday night. During his election night remarks, Paxton also thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout his time as Texas attorney general.

Democrat Nathan Johnson announced he has won the race for attorney general, defeating Republican Mayes Middleton.

Republican Ken Paxton left the office to run for U.S. Senate.

"I feel grateful, humbled, and charged with profound responsibility to everyone in this state, including those who did not vote for me. It was time to turn the page and the voters have turned it. It now falls upon all of us who were elected tonight to meet the needs of a new moment," Johnson said in a statement. ""It's a tremendous honor, and a tremendous responsibility."

President Trump said he will accept the results of the midterm elections. 

"Yes, sure I'll accept them. Why wouldn't I?" he told Fox News' Bret Baier.

Democrat Vikki Goodwin holds an 11-point lead in the Texas lieutenant governor's race with 62% of the vote counted.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa addressed supporters after her victory in the Texas governor's race, thanking them for their faith in her campaign despite the doubts and challenges she faced.

Republican incumbent Ronny Jackson has defeated Democrat challenger Mark Nair for U.S. House District 13, CBS News projects.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives," Jackson said in a statement.   

Speaking to CBS News' senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, the president congratulated Democrats on their victories. 

"My message is congratulations to the Democrats, and I look forward to working with you for the good of our country," the president said. 

Read more here.

Democrat incumbent Vicente Gonzalez has defeated Republican challenger Eric Flores to win U.S. House District 34, CBS News projects.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa has won the race for governor of Texas, CBS News projects.

Read more here.

Gov. Greg Abbott says he conceded to Democrat challenger Gina Hinojosa Tuesday night.

"After looking at all the details of every county in the entire state, I made the decision to go ahead and call Gina Hinojosa and congratulate her on winning this race for governor of the state of Texas," said Abbott. "There are still votes to be counted, but mathematically, we're not going to be able to win this election. I let Gina know that I would assist her and her team in a period of transition. But I also want everybody to know that the thing that I'm most proud about is that you all helped me to be your governor for 12 years. Thank you very much. I love our state."

Hinojosa will be the first Democratic governor since Ann Richards left office in 1995. She'd be the first Latina, as well as the first Hispanic, to hold the office.  

Democrat James Talarico will defeat Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, CBS News projects, marking a major flip for Democrats that they have long sought in the Lone Star State  

He will be the first Democrat to win a Senate race in Texas in over 30 years.

Read more here. 

Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who lost his primary race to the now-defeated Ken Paxton, congratulated Democrat James Talarico. 

CBS News has not yet projected a winner in the Texas Senate race, but rates the contest as likely to be won by Talarico.

"The voters have spoken, and I want to extend my congratulations to James Talarico on his election to the U.S. Senate," Cornyn wrote on X. "I look forward to meeting him and offering my assistance with his transition as he prepares to serve Texans in the U.S. Senate."

Early voting results for Collin County Proposition A, allowing new taxes to help fund a proposed $700 million Dallas Stars arena at Willow Bend. 

Yes: 38.43%

No: 61.57%.

The Senate race in Texas is likely to go to Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton, CBS News has assessed.   

Democrats will gain control of the House, CBS News projects.

Democratic control of the House will mean subpoena and investigative power for Democrats, which will characterize President Trump's final two years in office.

Read more here.

In the Tarrant County judge race, Alisa Simmons, 57.6%, to Republican incumbent Tim O'Hare's 42.4%. Simmons said that O'Hare called her to concede the race.

"It's looking really good right now," Simmons said. "It appears that this Tarrant County Commissioners Court has flipped ... And I told Judge O'Hare this when he called; he called an hour ago to congratulate me." 

The race has not been projected yet.

CBS News Texas has reached out to O'Hare for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Conversations with Latino voters across Texas reveal concerns about immigration policies and the rising cost of living. 

Housing, groceries, and other everyday expenses are among the issues weighing on voters this election.   

CBS News is now rating the Texas Senate race and the Texas governor race "lean Democratic".  

A Democrat hasn't won the Texas Senate seat since 1988. That year, Democrat incumbent Lloyd Bentsen won the election.

Political science professor Álvaro J. Corral discusses increased voter turnout in South Texas, where some counties surpassed their total 2024 turnout during early voting.  

Dallas County Prop A, the property-tax increase for homelessness, mental health and housing, is currently tight, based on early vote results as of 8:20 p.m.

As of 8 p.m. CT, CBS News rates Texas' redrawn 32nd District as lean Democratic. 

Texas Republicans dramatically shifted the district's boundaries to favor the GOP — turning the once solidly Democratic seat into a district where only 41% of the electorate backed Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.

Democratic candidate Dan Barrios is currently leading Republican candidate Jace Yarbrough.

CBS News is now calling the Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico a toss-up.

The Texas Senate race is now the most expensive non-presidential race on record — with ad spending reaching $544.5 million. In the general election, AdImpact Politics said Friday that Republicans spent $274.1 million on political ads for Paxton, while Democrats spent $133.4 million on political ads for Talarico.   

Monday night, Paxton said that most polls show the race is "going to come down to the wire." 

The contest between Paxton and Talarico may determine control of the U.S. Senate.

With 42% of the vote returned, CBS News is now calling the governor's race a toss-up.  

Earlier polls showed Gov. Greg Abbott had a huge advantage over Democrat Gina Hinojosa in political ad spending: nearly $111 million by his campaign, while her campaign spent $22 million.'

Two senior Republican Party operatives involved in the party's midterm strategy told CBS News there is growing concern within top Senate GOP circles over the election results.

"It looks biblically bad," one of the operatives told CBS News.

Another top GOP operative directly involved in Senate midterm strategy was similarly blunt.

"Dude," the strategist said. "Bloodbath."

If elected, Hinojosa would be only the third woman to serve as governor of Texas after Ma Ferguson and Ann Richards. She'd also be the first Democratic governor since Richards left office in 1995 and the first Latina, as well as the first Hispanic to hold the office.  

Long lines were spotted outside Democrat James Talarico's election night watch party in Austin. Meanwhile, Republican Ken Paxton's campaign is hosting its election night watch party in Dallas.  

CBS News projects Democrat Frederick Douglas Haynes III, a longtime Dallas pastor and civil rights advocate, defeats Republican Everett Jackson for Texas' 30th Congressional District.

Read more here.

CBS News projects Democrat Colin Allred wins Texas' 33rd Congressional District race, defeating Patrick Gillespie.

Read more here.

President Trump says he will use his veto power to block Democratic legislation if Democrats gain control of the House or Senate. 

In an exclusive CBS News interview, he embraced the nickname "Mr. Veto," signaling his willingness to challenge a Democratic-controlled Congress.

Pollsters have been predicting some GOP losses and in late October, CBS News' polling suggested Republicans could be on track to lose control of the House.  

Read more here.

Roughly six in 10 say President Trump is a factor in their vote for the House, according to CBS News exit polls.

Midterm elections have often been a referendum on the sitting president.  

Roughly nine in 10 voters nationally say government corruption is a major factor in their vote, about the same as the cost of living, and about six in 10 voters think the president puts his own personal interests over the country.  

Neither political party is viewed favorably by a majority of voters.   

Read more from the exit polls here.

With less than an hour before polls close in most parts of Texas, voters who received mail-in ballots are also approaching an important deadline.

Completed mail-in ballots generally must be received by county election officials by 7 p.m. Tuesday. However, ballots postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day can still be counted if they arrive by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. Different deadlines apply to certain military and overseas voters.

Voters who still have their completed mail-in ballots can hand-deliver them to their county's early voting clerk's office before polls close at 7 p.m. They must present an acceptable form of identification.

Voters can also check the status of their mail-in ballots through the Texas Secretary of State's ballot tracker.

With polls set to close in most of North Texas at 7 p.m. Tuesday, voters are less than an hour away from seeing the first results in several closely watched midterm election races.

However, Texas spans two time zones. While polls close at 7 p.m. across most of the state, voting will continue until 7 p.m. Mountain time, or 8 p.m. Central, in the El Paso area.

Counties are expected to begin reporting early voting results shortly after their polls close, followed by ballots cast on Election Day. Results will continue to be updated throughout the night as additional votes are counted.

Some races could be decided Tuesday night, while others may take longer to determine if the margins are close or additional ballots remain outstanding. Statewide races cannot be called until all polls have closed across Texas.

CBS News Texas will provide live election results, updates and analysis throughout the evening as voters decide key races for U.S. Senate, governor, Congress and other offices.

Polls across North Texas are scheduled to close in about an hour at 7 p.m. Tuesday, giving voters just one more hour to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections.

If you're still planning to vote, you can cast your ballot as long as you're in line by 7 p.m. Voters who are already waiting when polls close must be allowed to vote, even if they don't reach the voting booth until after 7 p.m.

Before heading out, make sure you know your designated polling location. Dallas, Collin and Tarrant counties allow voters to cast ballots at any authorized Election Day voting center within their county, while Denton County voters must use their assigned precinct polling place.

Voters can find additional information through the Texas Secretary of State's website.