The 2026 Texas gubernatorial election is set for November 3, 2026, with party primaries scheduled for March 3, 2026 and potential runoff elections on May 26, 2026. The candidate filing deadline closed on December 8, 2025, locking in a crowded but largely settled field.
With Texas remaining one of the most politically significant states in the country, the race is drawing national attention—though analysts widely view it as favoring the incumbent.
Republican Primary: Abbott Seeks a Fourth Term
Greg Abbott (Incumbent)
Republican Governor Greg Abbott, first elected in 2014, is seeking an unprecedented fourth term. If re-elected and he completes the term, Abbott would become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, surpassing Rick Perry.
Abbott enters the race with formidable advantages:
- Over $90 million in campaign funds reported
- Broad institutional GOP support
- Endorsements from Donald Trump and major law enforcement organizations
- Strong name recognition and incumbency in a state that has leaned Republican statewide
Other Declared Republican Candidates
Abbott faces several challengers in the GOP primary, though none are considered top-tier threats:
- Pete Chambers – Former U.S. Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel (“Doc Pete”)
- Evelyn Brooks – Member of the Texas State Board of Education
- Bob Achgill
- Charles Andrew Crouch
- Arturo Espinosa
- Mark Goloby
- Kenneth Hyde
- Stephen Samuelson
- Ronnie Tullos
- Nathaniel Welch
While the field is sizable, Abbott is widely expected to secure the Republican nomination outright without a runoff.
Democratic Primary: A Competitive but Uphill Contest
Gina Hinojosa (Frontrunner)
Democrats enter 2026 without an incumbent but with a competitive primary. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin has emerged as the clear frontrunner, supported by:
- Polling leads (including late-2025 surveys)
- Endorsements from prominent Democrats such as Greg Casar, Jasmine Crockett, Lloyd Doggett, and Veronica Escobar
- Backing from groups like the Texas American Federation of Teachers
Hinojosa’s campaign focuses on education funding, healthcare costs, property taxes, and criticism of Abbott’s long tenure.
Other Declared Democratic Candidates
- Chris Bell – Former U.S. Representative; 2006 Democratic gubernatorial nominee
- Bobby Cole – Rancher and retired firefighter
- Patricia Abrego
- Carlton Hart
- Jose Navarro Balbuena
- Faizan Syed
- Zach Vance
- Angela Villescaz
Notable withdrawal:
- Andrew White, son of former Gov. Mark White, withdrew in January 2026 and endorsed Hinojosa.
High-profile Democrats such as Beto O’Rourke and Jasmine Crockett (now running for U.S. Senate) declined to enter the governor’s race.
Independent Candidate
- Jenn Mack Raphoon – Running as a constitutional independent, emphasizing border security, limited government, and traditional values.
Independent candidates historically face steep challenges in Texas statewide races, but Raphoon is expected to appear on the general election ballot.
Race Outlook
Political analysts broadly rate the 2026 Texas governor’s race as “Safe R” or “Solid R.” Abbott’s incumbency, fundraising dominance, and Texas’s recent statewide voting patterns give Republicans a strong edge.
Democrats are framing the race as a referendum on Abbott’s long tenure, focusing on education, healthcare, and affordability—but flipping the governorship remains a difficult task.
Key Dates to Watch
- March 3, 2026 – Primary Election Day
- May 26, 2026 – Runoff Elections (if needed)
- November 3, 2026 – General Election
For official filings and last-minute updates, voters can consult the Texas Secretary of State or reputable trackers such as Ballotpedia.
Texas Bay News 
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