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2026 Texas voter guide: Key races to watch

Voters will decide races for U.S. senator, governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Politics

Texans have a chance to weigh in on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rare competitive statewide races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" data-vars-content-id="3b82ae63-c4bf-43e0-9b08-ed4e722ebfe0" data-vars-headline="2026 Texas voter guide: Key races to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" target="_self">rare competitive statewide races</a> as early <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" data-vars-content-id="3b82ae63-c4bf-43e0-9b08-ed4e722ebfe0" data-vars-headline="2026 Texas voter guide: Key races to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" target="_self">voting</a> begins Monday ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.The big picture: Texas Democrats are hoping to capitalize on opposition to President Trump and Republicans are defending their longtime dominance.

Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures

The Harris County judge race is on the ballot, plus precinct and congressional representation.

Houston-area voters can put their stamp on a series of local races on the ballot.Why it matters: Beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the high-profile statewide races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/texas-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="30a4114d-0698-4add-a210-bbf856522cca" data-vars-headline="Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/texas-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">the high-profile statewide races</a>, voters will decide who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leads Harris County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" data-vars-content-id="30a4114d-0698-4add-a210-bbf856522cca" data-vars-headline="Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" target="_self">leads Harris County</a>, elect members of Congress and the state Legislature, and weigh in on local ballot measures.

Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location

The popular Taiwanese restaurant is known for its soup dumplings.

Food and Drink

Popular Taiwanese restaurant chain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Din Tai Fung" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/08/din-tai-fung-review-worth-wait" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/08/din-tai-fung-review-worth-wait" target="_self">Din Tai Fung</a> appears to be headed to Houston&#x27;s Galleria, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state filing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Project/TABS2027004326" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Project/TABS2027004326" target="_blank">new state filing</a>.Why it matters: The arrival would mark Din Tai Fung&#x27;s first Texas location, bringing the chain&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famous soup dumplings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/americas-most-successful-restaurant-chain-feeds-a-dumpling-frenzy-a9a94bde" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/americas-most-successful-restaurant-chain-feeds-a-dumpling-frenzy-a9a94bde" target="_blank">famous soup dumplings</a> to Houston.

Marvel superheroes are taking over Houston's science museum

The exhibit will feature more than 150 original artifacts.

News

Superhero fans, assemble! Spider-Man, Black Panther and other Marvel superheroes are taking over the Houston Museum of Natural Science this winter.The big picture: The &quot;Marvel: The Exhibition — Universe of Super Heroes&quot; will bring more than 150 original artifacts, including costumes, movie props and comic book art, to Houston starting Dec. 19.

Inside Bush Airport's new Terminal B

The renovated Terminal B features local restaurants Blood Bros. BBQ, B&B Butchers and Rosie Cannonball.

Travel

The redesigned Terminal B North Concourse at Bush Airport is flashy, spacious and full of new amenities.Why it matters: United Airlines designed the upgraded space to make travel more comfortable, featuring Houston restaurants, public art, family-friendly amenities — and the largest airline lounge in the Americas.

United opens new Terminal B concourse at Houston's Bush Airport

Terminal B North Concourse features 22 gates and the largest airline lounge in the Americas.

United Airlines opens its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Terminal B North Concourse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/12/01/united-airlines-terminal-renovation-plan" data-vars-content-id="40501917-65eb-472a-b19b-732aa8961f09" data-vars-headline="United opens new Terminal B concourse at Houston&#x27;s Bush Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/12/01/united-airlines-terminal-renovation-plan" target="_self">Terminal B North Concourse</a> at Houston&#x27;s Bush Airport on Thursday, wrapping up a major phase of the $2.6 billion redevelopment.Why it matters: After roughly two years of construction, the new concourse replaces decades-old facilities and gates and adds modern amenities and more space for travelers.

Whitmire counters Abbott's airport funding threat

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport canceled plans for an ablution facility.

After Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to withhold grant funding for Dallas and Houston airports over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religious washing facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" target="_self">religious washing facilities</a> used by Muslim travelers, Mayor John Whitmire said Monday that the ablution room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was built without city taxpayer dollars.Why it matters: The airport dispute is the latest example of Abbott using the threat of withholding state funds to push Texas cities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change local policies and procedures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" target="_self">change local policies and procedures</a>.

After 16,000 miles, a Germany fan reached Houston for the World Cup

Jakob Alberti biked  through 27 countries before arriving in Houston to watch Germany in the  World Cup.

After biking roughly 16,000 miles through 27 countries on a journey around the world, Germany soccer fan Jakob Alberti checked off a longtime dream in Houston: watching Germany play at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/11/world-cup-houston-cristiano-ronaldo" data-vars-content-id="7df6b882-e810-49ce-82b0-4f0cc2742da1" data-vars-headline="After 16,000 miles, a Germany fan reached Houston for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/11/world-cup-houston-cristiano-ronaldo" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alberti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/jakobalberti/" data-vars-content-id="7df6b882-e810-49ce-82b0-4f0cc2742da1" data-vars-headline="After 16,000 miles, a Germany fan reached Houston for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/jakobalberti/" target="_blank">Alberti</a>, 26, said it best: &quot;Because the World Cup is just the biggest sports event in the world, and for me it&#x27;s just about people getting united. All countries come and celebrate together, have fun together.&quot;

IAH is all dressed for the World Cup

Travelers can expect a mix of infrastructure upgrades and fan-focused experiences.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is transforming as it prepares for an influx of visitors ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="527ebb28-e612-4f22-a071-82164f20c7fd" data-vars-headline="IAH is all dressed for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: For travelers who are flying, the airport will be the first impression of Houston, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="527ebb28-e612-4f22-a071-82164f20c7fd" data-vars-headline="IAH is all dressed for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">seven World Cup matches</a> will be played.

Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds

The suburb hopes to capture spillover tourism from Houston's matches.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sugar Land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/25/sugar-land-social-district-world-cup-outdoor-drinking" data-vars-content-id="af25d76e-2af1-42f5-b6cf-7247014bcb9d" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/25/sugar-land-social-district-world-cup-outdoor-drinking" target="_self">Sugar Land</a> is planning a slate of watch parties and soccer-themed programming as an official FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City Supporter.Why it matters: The suburb is hoping to capture spillover tourism from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="af25d76e-2af1-42f5-b6cf-7247014bcb9d" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">Houston&#x27;s World Cup matches</a> as city leaders continue a broader push to position Sugar Land as a tourism destination.

Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar

A new TSU hangar at Houston Spaceport aims to grow Houston's aviation workforce.

Education

Texas Southern University opened a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new aviation facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" target="_self">new aviation facility</a> near Ellington Airport this weekend.Why it matters: The project signals Houston&#x27;s expanding footprint in aviation and strengthens TSU&#x27;s role in training a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more diverse pipeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" target="_self">more diverse pipeline</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilots and industry professionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" target="_self">pilots and industry professionals</a>, the university&#x27;s president says.

2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams

Portugal with Ronaldo set to play at NRG Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> to play in two World Cup games, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly released matchups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">newly released matchups</a> for games to be played next summer across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.Why it matters: The reveal fuels fresh excitement across the city — and kicks off a logistical sprint in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="16 cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" target="_blank">16 cities</a> as millions of fans line up flights, match tickets and places to stay.

Houston adds new direct route to Rome

IAH will offer nonstop service to Rome for the first time.

Houstonians will soon be able to fly nonstop to Rome for the first time. State of play: ITA Airways is launching direct flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport starting May 1, 2026.

Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel

AAA says a record 5.8 million Texans will travel for Thanksgiving — part of the busiest holiday rush ever.

A record-breaking 5.8 million Texans are expected to travel this week for Thanksgiving, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AAA" data-vars-click-url="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" data-vars-content-id="34379069-852e-493e-ad6f-883cc936d9ed" data-vars-headline="Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" target="_blank">per AAA</a>.Why it matters: Thanksgiving is still the busiest travel holiday of the year. AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel — the highest on record and 1.6 million more than in 2024.