Today is the first day of early voting in the Democratic and Republican primaries in Texas. Early voting will continue through Feb. 27. Election day is March 3.
This year, we invited more than 120 candidates in 43 races to interview with us. We offer our recommendations below.
We also invite you to review our Voter Guide, where you can browse the responses of 286 candidates in races across North Texas. You can read the questionnaires at dallasnews.com/voterguide.
U.S. Senate, Democrat: James Talarico
The Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico represents competing theories Democrats have about flipping Texas. Crockett’s theory leans into firing up progressives. Talarico’s theory calls for Democrats to build a bigger tent of frustrated independents and Republicans. Talarico is right, and he represents Democrats’ best chance. In a year when Republicans might well nominate a man as compromised as Ken Paxton, Democrats ought to be looking for the candidate who can persuade more Republicans to either cross over or just stay home. That’s Talarico. Also running is Ahmad Hassan.
Opinion
U.S. Senate, Republican: John Cornyn
We can’t think of a race more important to the soul of the GOP and conservatism than the U.S. Senate primary in Texas. The character assassination of Sen. John Cornyn by a member of his own party shows that there is no appeasing the sycophants who treat blind loyalty to President Donald Trump as the only valid test of conservatism. Cornyn’s main competition, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is among the most ethically compromised men in American politics. Cornyn has delivered conservative legislation, including lower taxes, federal reimbursements for border security and a commitment to law and order. Also running is U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt among others.
Governor, Democrat: Gina Hinojosa
The crowded field in the Democratic primary for governor might confuse some voters. It shouldn’t. There is one serious choice, and that is state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. She not only gives Democrats their best chance to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott, but she also gives them a voice that can balance progressive impulses with a grounded message. Hinojosa is adept at seizing on spaces where voters have lost trust. Her messaging around Abbott’s focus on benefiting big corporations and pet donors could land with voters who feel like they can’t get ahead. Her most capable competitor is former U.S. Rep Chris Bell, who we don’t believe can stage a credible challenge to Abbott. A host of other names are on the ballot, but none match Hinojosa.
Governor, Republican: Greg Abbott
We could pretend there is a serious race in the Republican primary for governor. There isn’t. There is Gov. Greg Abbott, the sure bet to win. Abbott deserves great credit for steering Texas as a high-growth, low-tax state. That said, Abbott is a far cry from the governor elected in 2014. As the GOP has become harder to recognize, so has Abbott. Texas is better in many ways for his service. But as he drifts from genuine conservatism and expands the reach of the state, he must be wary of whether Texas will prosper as it has. Ten others are on the ballot.
Lieutenant Governor, Democrat: Vikki Goodwin
All three challengers in this race face steep odds in a contest against incumbent Republican Dan Patrick, but state Rep. Vikki Goodwin is the most qualified Democratic candidate by far.
Goodwin is in her fourth term representing Texas House District 47, which covers parts of Austin and Lake Travis. She identifies education as her top priority, campaigning on increasing funding for public schools and ending the education savings account program. Goodwin sits on the appropriations and insurance committees in the Texas House and said she has worked to build relationships across the aisle. Also running are Marcos Vélez and Courtney Head.
Lieutenant Governor, Republican: Dan Patrick
In more than a decade leading the Texas Senate, Dan Patrick has demonstrated legislative effectiveness and delivered tax relief, limited school choice and other conservative priorities. Patrick often drifts to the far right, driven by his conservative evangelical background, and he undermined his own good record with his rhetoric after the Ken Paxton impeachment. We urge Patrick to moderate divisiveness and stick to issues that will protect the “Texas miracle.” None of Patrick’s three opponents — Timothy Mabry, Perla Hopkins or Esala Wueschner — offers a serious or appealing challenge.
Texas Attorney General, Democrat: Nathan Johnson
Ken Paxton’s decision to forgo his seat as Texas attorney general to run for the U.S. Senate is a golden opportunity for Democrats. Nathan Johnson was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2018, when he flipped a Republican seat. Since then, he has amassed a number of wins for his constituents in the Dallas area and beyond, forging diverse coalitions to advance important goals. Political observers will recognize him as an even-keeled voice in the Democratic caucus. He’s willing to put reality before party fealty, something too rare these days. Also running are Anthony “Tony” Box and Joe Jaworski.
Texas Attorney General, Republican: Joan Huffman
We recommend state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston. Her experience as a lawyer and legislator make her eminently qualified for the position. Huffman is the candidate most likely to serve the everyday needs of average Texans instead of using the office as a political stepping stone, as its current occupant has. Aaron Reitz, a former Paxton deputy, is running a campaign that relies on the most divisive rhetoric in today’s political arena. His leadership would likely be a continuation of the current administration, or worse. Also running are state Sen. Mayes Middleton and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy.
30th Congressional District, Democrat: Frederick Haynes III
Residents of this congressional district in Dallas and Tarrant counties would benefit from having the Rev. Frederick Haynes III as their representative. Haynes, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, is well positioned to lead after years of advocacy for southern Dallas and his national standing as a civil rights leader. Haynes’ activism through the years has focused on improving the lives of the communities he serves, from pushing back against the payday lending industry to speaking out about hyperpartisan redistricting. His campaign is focused on affordability and economic development. Also running are Barbara Mallory Caraway and Rodney LaBruce.
30th Congressional District, Republican: No recommendation
The 30th Congressional District is one of three heavily Democratic districts redrawn by Republican state lawmakers last summer. The district’s shape changed, but its political orientation did not. Nevertheless, Sholdon Daniels, Gregorio Heise, Everett Jackson and Nils Walker filed to compete in the Republican primary for the seat. The candidates’ social media accounts and campaign websites offer limited glimpses into their policy ideas. Each appears to strongly support President Donald Trump and his views on immigration enforcement and economic issues. Walker, the only candidate to complete our questionnaire or participate in an interview, said health care costs were residents’ top concern.
32nd Congressional District, Democrat: Dan Barrios
In the newly redrawn 32nd Congressional District, we recommend Dan Barrios. The Richardson City Council Member is running a campaign centered around kitchen-table issues, such as the rising cost of living, housing affordability and opportunities for small businesses. Barrios told us he would work for residents both in rural areas and urban centers. He understands the needs of Richardson will be different from those in a city like Pittsburg, in Camp County. He showed concern for health care and broadband access in rural counties and the need to bring some federal funding to these areas. Also running is Anthony Bridges.
32nd Congressional District, Republican: Gordon Heslop
Republican voters should consider underdog Gordon Heslop in this newly redrawn district. A retired accounting professor, Heslop is an independent thinker who has made the theme of his campaign “Make America Normal Again.” A Reagan conservative, Heslop backs debt reform and entitlement changes, offering a principled alternative in a crowded field of MAGA-aligned rivals. Also running are Paul Bondar, Ryan Binkley, Darrell Day, Jace Yarbrough, Abteen Vaziri, Aimee Carrasco, Monty Montanez and James Ussery.
33rd Congressional District, Democrat: Colin Allred
Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and sitting U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson lead a field of four candidates to represent this district drawn to favor Democrats. Allred and Johnson are both qualified and competent. We recommend Allred because of his emphasis on ethics reform and his previous accomplishments in office. He secured millions of dollars for projects in the Dallas area and helped transform a vacant hospital in Garland into a Veterans Affairs health facility. The other candidates are Carlos Quintanilla and Zeeshan Hafeez.
33rd Congressional District, Republican: Kurt Schwab
Four candidates are competing in this primary, and none is especially qualified, but Air Force veteran Kurt Schwab is the best choice. We found him to be well-mannered and personable in our candidate interview. Still, the policy ideas he outlined lack detail, and we have concerns about how he would fare in Washington. Schwab focused heavily on the need to add jobs but offered few ideas about how this might be accomplished. Also running are Patrick David Gillespie, Monte “Doc” Mitchell and John Sims.
Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice, Democrat: Cory Carlyle
Republicans have a lock on the Texas Supreme Court. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock is up for reelection this year, and former 5th Court of Appeals Justice Cory Carlyle offers Democrats the best chance to compete. Carlyle is a partner at Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, and is board-certified in civil appellate law. He was elected to the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas in 2018 and served one six-year term. Carlyle said he worked with Republican colleagues in the politically mixed court and that it made the court better to have ideological diversity. Also running is Justice Maggie Ellis of the 3rd Court of Appeals.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 7, Democrat: Kristen Hawkins
Judge Kristen Hawkins of the 11th District Court in Houston has extensive experience as a trial court judge, something only three of the nine current justices on the Texas Supreme Court have. Hawkins is sensitive to the common critique about judges legislating from the bench and said that if a judge is doing her job well, it shouldn’t be obvious what party she belongs to. While opponent Gordon Goodman is qualified, we favor Hawkins’ steady, less partisan approach. The Democratic nominee will face incumbent Kyle Hawkins in November.
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3, Republican: Alison Fox
We recommend Alison Fox to fill the open Place 3 seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals. Although none of the four candidates in this primary has judicial experience, Fox already works for this court as a research attorney and is highly qualified. She earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University, worked for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and has argued cases at the intermediate appellate and high court levels. Fox also serves as an at-large director for the State Bar of Texas. Also competing for Place 3 are Brent Coffee, Lesli Fitzpatrick and Thomas Smith.
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9, Republican: Jennifer Balido
Two strong candidates are running in the primary for Place 9: Jennifer Balido and John Messinger. Both are well-qualified and would bring years of relevant, though different, experience to the court. We recommend Balido, however, because she has served as a trial court judge in Dallas County, a type of experience in short supply on the high court. She also led the appellate division in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Messinger works in the office of the State Prosecuting Attorney of Texas and has argued dozens of cases before intermediate appellate courts and the highest criminal court.
Comptroller, Democrat: Sarah Eckhardt
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt of Austin is the best choice in this Democratic primary. She has experience as a lawyer and Travis County judge and has been a state senator since 2020. She brings the widest breadth of political experience and demonstrated a strong command of the comptroller’s most important duties during our candidate interview. Eckhardt raised concerns about unevenness in the property tax appraisal system and named transparency and trust as two of her top priorities. Also running are Savant Moore and Michael Lange.
Comptroller, Republican: Kelly Hancock
The Comptroller of Public Accounts serves as the state’s chief financial officer. The comptroller produces the revenue estimate that helps determine the state’s budget, collects sales and other taxes and plays a role in assessing whether local property appraisals are fair and uniform. It’s an important job. Three GOP heavyweights and one outsider are competing in this Republican primary: real estate broker Michael Berlanga, Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, interim Comptroller Kelly Hancock and former state Sen. Don Huffines. We recommend Hancock, who previously served in the Texas Senate and House. He has the experience and integrity to provide honest reports about the state’s financial situation.
Railroad Commissioner, Republican: Katherine Culbert
The Texas Railroad Commission has been accused of being in the hands of the oil and gas industry that it is supposed to regulate. It was refreshing to see candidates running in the GOP primary preoccupied with the need to rebuild trust. From this group, we recommend Katherine Culbert, a process safety engineer, who has the best credentials for this agency and for her commitment to transparency. Culbert told us she likes to look at things with a preventive eye to make sure workers and communities are protected. Also running are incumbent Jim Wright, Hawk Dunlap, James Matlock and Bo French.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Republican: Nate Sheets
We strongly encourage voters to choose businessman Nate Sheets over incumbent rodeo cowboy Sid Miller, who has made a joke of his office. The founder of Nature Nate’s Honey, Sheets brings knowledge, experience and strong ideas about how to help Texas producers and consumers. Miller, meanwhile, has been constantly embroiled in embarrassing and alarming controversies. He hired as his chief of staff someone who pleaded guilty to bribery, botched the response to a parasitic pest threatening the Texas cattle industry and landed himself in a bewildering drama involving marijuana. Sheets can return competency and professionalism to this office.
Texas House District 67, Republican: Jeff Leach
Texas House District 67 covers much of northeast Collin County. A staunch conservative, incumbent Jeff Leach reflects the district’s values and has served it with integrity. He has consistently supported property tax cuts but also argues the state needs to ensure public schools are fully funded. Last year, he championed a bill that bans the practice of forcing victims of sexual abuse to sign nondisclosure agreements as part of legal settlements. He also supported the bill that bars students from using their cell phones at school during instructional time. Also running is Matt Thorsen.
Texas House District 67, Democrat: Jordan Wheatley
We recommend that Democratic voters in this northeastern Collin County district choose elementary school teacher Jordan Wheatley. He is a political novice but came to our candidate interview with thoughtful ideas about how Texas can address the most important issues residents face. On property tax reform, for instance, he proposed a sovereign investment model he argues could eliminate school maintenance and operations tax while still increasing the basic allotment to public education. Another candidate, Emeka Eluka, will appear on the ballot. But Eluka said last month that he was stepping back from campaigning and endorsing Wheatley.
Texas House District 94, Republican: Cheryl Bean
Out of the five candidates competing for a chance to replace outgoing state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, none are impressive. But the best of the bunch is former engineer Cheryl Bean, who worked for Lockheed Martin, Elbit and others. Though we have some concerns about the rhetoric she has used on social media, Bean is the only candidate in this race who outlined something resembling a thoughtful plan for property tax relief. Bean declined to interview with our board. Also running are Jackie Schlegel, Michael Daughenbaugh and Michael Ingraham.
Texas House District 98, Republican: Fred Tate
Texas House District 98 includes Grapevine, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake and Keller and is represented by outgoing state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione. We recommend business owner Fred Tate in the Republican primary. Tate has years of experience serving on three state commissions and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of legislation. He currently serves as treasurer for the Republican Party of Tarrant County. Tate advocates for eliminating the maintenance and operations portion of the school property tax and relying on budget surplus and sales taxes to keep public schools running. Also running are Keller Mayor Armin Mizani and business owner Zdenka “Zee” Wilcox.
Texas House District 98, Democrat: Cate Brennan
Retired health care executive Cate Brennan is the best choice for Democratic voters in this district. She boasts years of experience in nonprofit and advocacy work. Brennan advocates for repealing the education savings account program created last year, expanding Medicaid and increasing the minimum wage to $20 an hour. She suggests that needed revenue could come from new sources, such as taxes from legalized gambling and legalized marijuana sales. Also running is Aaron Hendley. His enthusiasm and interest in politics is admirable, but he lacks the background for this office.
Texas House District 100, Democrat: Venton Jones
We strongly recommend state Rep. Venton Jones for this Democratic primary. Jones has a strong command of the issues related to his district, including housing affordability. Jones’ proposal for state-backed, low-interest loan programs for first-time buyers is worth considering. His deep ties to the community in this district representing southern Dallas neighborhoods were evident during our interview. Jones showed concern over the future of Fair Park and the need to improve police response times in southern Dallas. Also running are Amanda Richardson and Justice McFarlane.
Texas House District 106, Republican: Jared Patterson
We recommend state Rep. Jared Patterson in a three-way Republican primary. Patterson led the Legislature’s effort to hold Big Tech accountable in 2025 by championing a bill that would have prohibited children from creating social media accounts. Although we have disagreed with Patterson over the years and found that some of his legislation sowed divisiveness, his advocacy for children’s online safety is undeniable. Patterson is also attuned to the concerns of his constituents in a district that has become symbolic of the economic boom in North Texas and growing pains associated with it. Also running are Rick Abraham and Larry Brock.
Texas House District 70, Republican: Michael Hewitt
We recommend Michael Hewitt, an attorney, in this three-way race. Hewitt is focused on how policy can improve the lives of the people living in his district. He is inexperienced and lacks the insights more seasoned politicians have, but he gets the basics right. Hewitt agrees there is a need for property tax relief, but he had concerns about quickly eliminating property taxes, as some in his party have advocated. He prefers an incremental approach to relief by using other alternatives. Hewitt favors a low-regulation environment to encourage more housing construction. Also running are George Flint and Jack Ryan Gallagher.
Texas House District 112 Republican Primary: Angie Chen Button
State Rep. Angie Chen Button has solid credentials and a history of delivering legislation to keep Texas business-friendly. She earns our recommendation. Button is committed to keeping Texas’ economic engine strong. She proposes reducing the tax burden on individuals while also easing tax and regulatory burdens on businesses. As chair of the Trade, Workforce and Economic Development Committee and a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, Button is poised to be an important player in the property tax debate that may dominate the next legislative session. Also running are Perry E. Barker Sr., Chad Carnahan and Tina Price.
Dallas County District Attorney, Democrat: John Creuzot
This primary isn’t just a contest of résumés or personalities. Casting a vote for former judge Amber Givens over incumbent John Creuzot would be reckless. Creuzot, previously a longtime district court judge, has shown himself to be a capable district attorney in the six years he’s been in office. He grew his office’s mental health team to 24 people and created a vehicular crimes unit to handle drunken-driving murder cases and intoxication manslaughter. We trust Creuzot to offer solutions to problems that plague our courts. Givens’ tenure as district court judge has been marred by her poor reputation.
191st District Court, Democrat: Elizabeth Ginsberg
Dallas attorney Elizabeth Ginsberg is the far better candidate in the race for this civil court bench. With more than 30 years of experience practicing a wide range of law, from product liability to personal injury to complicated real estate disputes, she has the breadth of understanding to handle anything that would come before her. We recommend her over the incumbent Judge Gena Slaughter, whose nearly 20 years on the bench has been marked by consistently low ratings by the Dallas Bar Association and several disciplinary actions by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which adjudicates ethical complaints against judges.
194th District Court, Democrat: Peggy Hoffman
County Criminal Court No. 9 Judge Peggy Hoffman has presided over her misdemeanor court with distinction since 2007. We recommend she be elected to this felony bench. Even before becoming a judge, Hoffman had an impressive career as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, a mix of experience important in the criminal court judiciary. Over the years she received strong ratings by lawyers practicing in her court in a Dallas Bar Association poll, and she is certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Also running are Desmond Cooks and Kim Cooks, a former Dallas County family court judge.
282nd District Court, Democrat: Jeneba Barrie
We recommend lawyer Jeneba Barrie to set straight this felony court previously run by Judge Amber Givens, who faced ethical complaints and was widely criticized for docket mismanagement. Barrie’s even temperament and experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney make her well-suited to be fair-minded. Having witnessed her father’s murder as a child, Barrie has a laudable passion for criminal law and the courts. We also believe she will leave partisan politics out of her judicial decision-making. By contrast, we had concerns about longtime defense lawyer Alison Grinter Allen, who largely opposes prison time for non-violent offenders.
298th District Court, Democrat: Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith’s resume is shorter than her opponent’s, but she is the better candidate to assume this civil court bench. Smith has practiced civil law at three firms in Houston and one in Dallas. She was made a partner at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP in 2023. Smith also displayed a broad understanding of the Dallas County civil courts and has a plan to address concerns about delays in rulings in the 298th. Opponent Tracie Shelby Williams has practiced many different areas of law in state and federal courts, but we had concerns that her stated reason for running is so that the disadvantaged could have “a voice.”
301st District Court, Democrat: Danielle Clark
Danielle Clark, who has served as an associate family court judge for more than a decade, edges out lawyer Twana Allen in this close race. Clark has served Dallas County well, receiving strong approval ratings in the 2025 Dallas Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll. We also commend her dedication to helping pro se litigants navigate the complicated legal system by carving out separate times to handle only those cases. It’s time for her to run her own court. Allen’s extensive experience as a family law attorney and a mediator is impressive. But Clark’s role as an associate judge is superior.
302nd District Court, Democrat: Sandra Jackson
We take lawyers’ concerns about State District Judge Sandra Jackson seriously. Nonetheless, we recommend her for a third term. Jackson acknowledged that just 59% of respondents gave her a favorable overall approval rating in the Dallas Bar Association’s latest judicial evaluation poll. But instead of dismissing the poll as a popularity contest, she said she uses that feedback to improve. We applaud Jackson’s commitment to the Legacy Family Drug Court, service on the Dallas County Juvenile Board and long tenure on the bench. Desirée Marie Bedasa has the right temperament and familiarity with the family courts to become a judge. But in this race she is outmatched.
330th District Court, Democrat: Tamika Jones
Tamika Jones has served as an associate family court judge for four years. She’s ready to assume the bench of the 330th and should be elected. Certified in both family and child welfare law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Jones was a practicing attorney for more than 20 years. Also, lawyers appearing before her in court gave her an impressive 76% overall approval rating in the 2025 Dallas Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll. Dallas attorney Ashlei Gradney practices a wide range of civil law and has a master of business as well as a law degree. But Jones has far more family law experience.
363rd District Court, Democrat: Cynthia Garza
We recommend former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Garza to this felony bench. Garza, who until recently led the office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, is nationally known for her work in examining wrongful convictions and cases of actual innocence. Her experience looking at cases from both the defense and prosecution sides of the law makes her especially qualified to serve as judge with integrity and fairness. Her opponent, Idris Akinpelu, has worked as a prosecutor both in Dallas and Tarrant Counties, and most recently as a defense lawyer. He also has a compelling personal story. But Garza is far more qualified to serve as a judge.
Collin County Judge, Republican: Rick Grady
A county judge serves as a county’s chief executive officer. The position requires a mix of project management and leadership skills, as well as knowledge of a county’s many needs. Incumbent Chris Hill faces challenger Rick Grady, a former Plano City Council member, in the Republican primary. We recommend Grady, whose experience in technology management and local government, and his long involvement in a variety of nonprofits, would benefit the county. Grady offered thoughtful, strategic responses to questions about ensuring adequate water supplies in the growing county, providing services to homeless residents and bringing more health care facilities to the eastern half of the county.
Tarrant County Judge, Republican: No recommendation
Incumbent Tim O’Hare, elected in 2022, is defending his seat against challenger Robert Trevor Buker. We cannot recommend either candidate. O’Hare can be rude and hostile to people who disagree with him, from colleagues to constituents. He also helped engineer a mid-decade redistricting effort that will have the effect of diluting Black and Latino votes in Tarrant County. Buker, a former corrections officer who now works in behavioral health security, ran unsuccessfully against O’Hare in 2022. We have concerns about his conduct related to a criminal case involving his son.
Tarrant County Judge, Democrat: Alisa Simmons
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons has more experience and a better understanding of county government than her opponent, Millennium Anton C. Woods Jr. She’s the clear choice, and she has rightly focused her campaign on the likely match-up against Judge Tim O’Hare in November. Simmons voted with her Republican colleagues to reduce taxes her first two years on the court, but the most recent budget cuts too deep, she said. She opposed Republican-led redistricting and election changes. O’Hare is a divisive figure. This primary will show whether Simmons can rise above the partisan nonsense.
This editorial is part of the Dallas Morning News Editorial Board’s slate of recommendations for the 2026 primary. Find the full project here.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here.
If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com