What we're watching in Texas in 2026
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Across Texas, we're keeping our eye on several big stories this year.
Midterm elections
Every major statewide elected office is on the ballot this year. First up: the primary elections. Early voting starts in just over six weeks.
- The race for U.S. Senate features a marquee matchup on the Republican and Democratic sides that are attracting national attention — and money.
- Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are seeking fourth terms. Their reelection would lock in conservative state leadership for another four years.
The big picture: State lawmakers redrew the state's congressional map to elect as many as five more Republicans to the U.S. House. Whether that happens will hinge on if Latinos continue to shift toward the GOP.
Private school vouchers
The $1 billion state program to provide public money for private school tuition is launching this year, with most participating families receiving roughly $10,000 a year per eligible student.
What we're watching: How many families apply for vouchers and how public and private schools will be affected.
Medication abortion ban
A new state law aimed at restricting Texans' access to mail-order abortion medication will test shield laws in blue states, where doctors have prescribed abortion pills like mifepristone through the mail.
- The Supreme Court could ultimately decide the fate of the Texas law.
Electric grid
Another hot summer could test the Texas grid.
- The state's population will continue to grow, and new energy-hungry data centers are expected to go online as the once-booming renewable energy industry slows with the end of federal subsidies.