WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Texas voters are heading back to the polls Tuesday for a slate of high-stakes runoff elections — from a closely watched U.S. Senate race to local courthouse contests that directly affect your community. Here’s a breakdown of every race on the ballot.
The Big One: U.S. Senate Republican Runoff
John Cornyn vs. Ken Paxton
This is the race drawing the most attention — and the most money.
Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton finished just points apart in the March primary, forcing Tuesday’s runoff. Together, the two campaigns and their allies have spent nearly $25 million on ads — many of them personal attacks.
Cornyn argues he’s a proven conservative with the seniority and relationships to deliver for Texas in Washington.Paxton is running as a Trump-aligned “America First” voice, promising a more aggressive approach in the Senate.
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Paxton — an endorsement that has carried real weight this cycle. Trump-backed challengers have already knocked off Republican incumbents in Indiana and Kentucky this year.
Polls show the race is tight. The winner faces Democratic nominee James Talarico, an Austin state representative who won his party’s Senate primary earlier this year, in November.
More Statewide RacesU.S. House District 17 – Democratic Runoff
Jamilah Flores vs. Casey Shepard
Democratic voters in Central Texas — a district covering Waco, Bryan-College Station and parts of Central and East Central Texas — will pick their nominee to take on Republican Rep. Pete Sessions in November. Flores and Shepard both focus on health care costs, public education and infrastructure, but offer different styles: one rooted in grassroots activism, the other in policy experience and a more moderate approach. Sessions, unopposed in the GOP primary, is already focused on the general election.
Attorney General – Republican Runoff
State Sen. Mayes Middleton vs. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy
With Ken Paxton vacating the office to run for Senate, Republicans are choosing his replacement. Middleton, a wealthy oil and gas heir, has poured more than $16 million of his own money into the race and finished first in March. Roy, a former federal prosecutor and one-time top Paxton deputy, argues Middleton is trying to “buy” the job and says his courtroom experience makes him ready on day one.
Attorney General – Democratic Runoff
State Sen. Nathan Johnson vs. Former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski
Democrats are also choosing their nominee for AG. The winners of both runoffs will face each other in November for control of one of the most powerful law enforcement offices in the country.
Lieutenant Governor – Democratic Runoff
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin vs. Marcos Vélez
Democratic voters will decide who takes on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in November. Goodwin, an Austin progressive first elected in 2018, is running on school funding, housing affordability and Medicaid expansion. Vélez, a longtime steelworkers union leader, is campaigning as a blue-collar advocate for working families. Patrick, a close Trump ally seeking a fourth term, easily won his GOP primary in March.
Texas Railroad Commission – Republican Runoff
Incumbent Jim Wright vs. Bo French
This race decides who regulates most of Texas’ oil and gas industry. Wright, first elected in 2020, is backed by top state Republicans and major energy donors. French, a former Tarrant County GOP chair, is running as a “MAGA conservative” promising a more hard-line approach. The winner faces Democrat Jon Rosenthal and Libertarian Arthur DiBianca in November.
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 – Republican Runoff
Alison Fox vs. Thomas Smith
Voters will choose a justice for the state’s highest criminal court — which handles felony and death penalty cases. Fox is a longtime court staff attorney and former prosecutor backed by police unions and major newspaper editorial boards. Smith is an assistant attorney general and former Paxton counsel, running with Paxton’s endorsement. The winner faces Democrat Okey Anyiam and Libertarian Mark Ash in November.
State Board of Education, District 5 – Democratic Runoff
Allison Bush vs. Stephanie Limon Bazan
Don’t overlook this one. The State Board of Education sets curriculum standards and approves textbooks for every public school in Texas — shaping how history, science and health are taught for years to come. Bush and Bazan are competing to replace retiring incumbent Rebecca Bell-Metereau in this Central Texas district covering parts of the Austin-San Antonio corridor.
Local Races: Central TexasMcLennan County – Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 (Democratic Runoff)
Incumbent LucyAnn Sanchez-Miramontez vs. Leslie Edwards
This “people’s court” handles evictions, small claims and traffic tickets — often the first contact residents have with the justice system. No Republican is currently filed for this seat.
Bell County – Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 (Republican Runoff)
Richard Sapp vs. Michael Tice
Republican voters in the Salado area will choose their JP candidate. No Democrat is currently running for this seat.
Bell County – Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2 (Democratic Runoff)
La-Tasha Quarles vs. Jessica Gonzalez
Covering the Killeen-Harker Heights area, Quarles — a veteran with a doctorate in social work — led the March primary. Gonzalez, a Killeen City Council member, finished second. The winner faces Republican Beatrice Cox in November.
Coryell County – County Judge & Commissioner Races (Republican Runoffs)
Three races are on the line in Coryell County:
County Judge: Rob Erwin vs. incumbent Roger Miller — neither cleared 50% in a three-way March primary.Commissioner Precinct 2: Incumbent Scott Weddle vs. Tully Meyer.Commissioner Precinct 4: Ray Ashby vs. Justin D. Smith — both advancing out of a four-person field.Watch Live Election Night Coverage
Polls close at 7 p.m. CT. Tune in for live team coverage starting at 4 p.m. and continuing through the evening as results come in. We’ll have reporters live at both the Cornyn and Paxton campaign headquarters all night.
Results are expected to begin rolling in after 8:30 p.m. CT.
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