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The 2026 local and state primary elections offer any number of intriguing matchups. From the Capitol to the local courthouse, there’s intense competition, especially for open seats.
Our Editorial Board spent weeks researching issues and candidates and conducting dozens of interviews. Here are our endorsements in the top Tarrant County, Texas and federal races.
U.S. SENATE
Republicans: John Cornyn has a proven track record of delivering for conservatism and Texans. Ken Paxton has a proven record of corruption and overreach.
Democrats: In a year when winning is the biggest issue, Democrats are better off with James Talarico as their nominee than Jasmine Crockett.
U.S. HOUSE
District 12, Democrats: Neither candidate will pose much threat to Rep. Craig Goldman, but Kenneth Morgan-Aguilera is the better choice on experience and issues.
District 30, Republicans: Sholdon Daniels articulates a conservative vision for this heavily Democratic district and shows a streak of independence.
District 30, Democrats: The Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III has the connections and experience to deliver for areas of Dallas and Tarrant counties with significant needs.
STATEWIDE OFFICE (REPUBLICANS)
Attorney general: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy is the best of four serious, experienced candidates. He has conservative bona fides but has shown a willingness to stand alone when he thinks he’s right.
Comptroller: Gov. Greg Abbott picked Kelly Hancock to run the office on an interim basis for the right reasons — business experience, knowledge of government and steadiness.
Agriculture commissioner: Incumbent Sid Miller has condoned corruption by one of his top aides. Challenger Nate Sheets has the business sense to help struggling ranchers and farmers.
Railroad commissioner: The agency needs a jolt of reality from someone in the industry it regulates, oil and gas. Hawk Dunlap’s 30 years in the business provide important expertise, especially on the concerning issue of abandoned or leaking wells.
STATEWIDE OFFICE (DEMOCRATS)
Governor: State Rep. Gina Hinojosa is building a narrative against Abbott and years of GOP control, and she has the political skill to deliver it.
Lieutenant governor: State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is a serious legislator who could offer a contrast to Dan Patrick’s one-man rule in the Senate.
Attorney general: State Sen. Nathan Johnson flipped a Dallas County district and has been an effective legislator without overindulging partisanship. He’s ready for a promotion.
Comptroller: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt shows promise as a watchdog of state funds who won’t try to impose her policy will.
STATE LEGISLATURE (REPUBLICANS)
Senate District 22: Rep. David Cook of Mansfield can balance the suburban and rural portions of this district and lead on priorities such as water and juvenile justice.
House District 91: Kyle Morris is running as something of a one-issue candidate but shows potential for growth and leadership.
House District 94: Veteran GOP activist Susan Valliant is the candidate most connected with this Arlington/Mid-Cities district.
House District 98: Fred Tate, a former officer of the Tarrant County and state Republican parties, has a good conservative record and familiarity with many policy areas.
STATE LEGISLATURE (DEMOCRATS)
House District 98: Cate Brennan is in touch with the education and housing concerns in the district and would give Democrats their best hope in a GOP-dominated area.
TARRANT COUNTY
Commissioner, Precinct 2 (Republicans): Tony Tinderholt has been a conservative stalwart in the Legislature but evolved from pure firebrand. He’s a fit for this Arlington-centric area.
Commissioner, Precinct 2 (Democrats): Former Fort Worth City Council member Jared Williams is a voice for policies that aim to help families, especially on affordability issues.
About our campaign endorsements BEHIND THE STORY MORE Hey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.Â
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
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