Voters in Texas went to the polls on Tuesday to select Democratic and Republican candidates for the November midterm elections, which will determine control of the U.S. Congress for the next two years. Several races have been reshaped by aggressive redistricting, making the primaries particularly competitive. Here are six races to watch:
Cain vs. Mealer in Republican Runoff
In the Houston-area 9th congressional district, State Representative Briscoe Cain and former oil-and-gas finance executive Alex Mealer will face each other in a Republican runoff in May. Cain has the endorsement of Governor Greg Abbott, while Mealer is backed by former President Donald Trump. Redistricting has made the 9th district heavily Republican, prompting incumbent Democrat Al Green to run in another district.
Tijerina to Challenge Cuellar
Republican Tano Tijerina, a former Major League Baseball player, won the primary in the 28th congressional district and is likely to face Democratic incumbent Henry Cuellar. Redistricting has made the San Antonio-area district more competitive for Republicans. Tijerina received endorsements from Trump and Abbott. Cuellar, a conservative Democrat, was pardoned in December for past legal issues, easing his reelection path.
Vicente Gonzalez Faces Tough Fight
Representative Vicente Gonzalez won the Democratic primary in the 34th district but may face a difficult November election due to redistricting that favors Republicans. Gonzalez has shifted somewhat to the right on certain immigration issues. Republican challengers include Eric Flores, backed by Trump and Abbott, and Mayra Flores, a former House member relying on name recognition.
Tony Gonzales Faces Allegations
In the 23rd congressional district, incumbent Republican Tony Gonzales faces scrutiny after allegations of soliciting explicit photos from a deceased aide, which he denies. His main opponent is Brandon Herrera, a firearms manufacturer known as “the AK guy.” The Republican primary winner is heavily favored in November.
Republicans Eye Dallas Pickup
The 32nd congressional district, which covers Dallas, was redrawn in Republicans’ favor, prompting Democratic incumbent Julie Johnson to run elsewhere. Trump-endorsed candidates Jace Yarbrough and Ryan Binkley will face off in a May runoff.
Liberal Austin District Redrawn
Redistricting has made the 35th district, linking Austin and San Antonio, more competitive for Republicans. Democratic incumbent Greg Casar is running in a different district. Eleven Republicans are vying for the nomination, including John Lujan, Joshua Cortez, Carlos De La Cruz, and Jay Furman. Democratic candidates include Johnny Garcia, Maureen Galindo, John Lira, and Whitney Masterson-Moyes.
These redrawn districts and competitive primaries set the stage for a high-stakes November election, with control of Congress potentially influenced by Texas’ shifting political landscape.