Texas GOP, Democratic primary runoff election draws out voters

PLANO, TEXAS - MAY 26: Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an election night watch party held by the Lone Star Liberty PAC at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center on May 26, 2026 in Plano, Texas. Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a Senate primary runoff election and will face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election.

PLANO, TEXAS - MAY 26: Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an election night watch party held by the Lone Star Liberty PAC at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center on May 26, 2026 in Plano, Texas. Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a Senate primary runoff election and will face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election.

Voters walk into the Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center polling site during the 2026 Texas primary runoff election on May 26, 2026, in El Paso.

People arrive and depart at a polling location on Election Day at West Gray Metropolitan Multi-Service Center in Houston, Texas on May 26, 2026. Donald Trump's power over Republican voters faces another test Tuesday in Texas, where veteran Senator John Cornyn is fighting long odds after the president endorsed scandal-plagued loyalist Ken Paxton in a bitter Senate primary runoff. The race is expected to be the latest demonstration of Trump's sway over Republican nominating contests, even as his grip on Congress has begun to loosen amid frustration over the Iran war, his White House ballroom project and a compensation fund for his allies.

PLANO, TEXAS - MAY 26: Campaign signs are displayed at the Haggard Library polling place on May 26, 2026 in Plano, Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton is in a primary runoff election with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to see who will face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election.

Campaign supporters gather outside the Mesilla Elementary School polling site during the 2026 Texas primary runoff election on May 26, 2026, in El Paso.

Denise Butterworth, center, campaigns outside the Mesilla Elementary School polling site during the 2026 Texas primary runoff election Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in El Paso.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 26: People prepare to vote at the South Austin Recreation Center on May 26, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in this year's Republican primary runoff.

Arturo Dominguez campaigns outside the Mesilla Elementary School polling site for his son, Octavio Dominguez, during the 2026 Texas primary runoff election Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in El Paso.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 26: People stand in line to vote at the Austin Public Library on May 26, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in this year's Republican primary runoff.