U.S. Senate

Crockett had higher name recognition and an overwhelming edge among Black voters, while Talarico kept her margin to single digits through greater support among white and Latino voters.

From the Texas battle for U.S. Senate to who's running to be the state's next governor, here are the key races — and candidates — to be watching as we head into 2026.

After weeks of speculation, Crockett officially filed to run Monday.

The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.

The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.

Paxton announced Wednesday he has filed the necessary paperwork to enter the 2026 race. The Republican first declared his intentions to run earlier this year.

After 41 days of a government shutdown, the U.S. Senate passed a set of bills to reopen the government. The House comes back to vote as early as Wednesday afternoon.

Texas’ senior senator outraised his foes across his campaign operation, though some of the money is ineligible to be transferred to his main account.

The latest survey from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Houston-area Congressman Wesley Hunt in third place behind Cornyn and Paxton. It also shows Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who has not declared she’s a candidate, leading the Democratic primary field.

With the federal government shutdown entering its second week, some health leaders in North Texas are worried a prolonged shutdown could negatively effect their patients and services.

Government shutdowns lasting more than a few days were relatively rare — until recently. The 2018-2019 shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, stretching on for five weeks.

NPR is tracking the record number of lawmakers in Congress who have already announced they don't plan to run for reelection ahead of the 2026 midterms.