Texas primary results: Cornyn leads Senate race; Talarico ahead of Crockett in Democratic contest

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn led a crowded Republican primary field Tuesday night in early returns, while state Rep. James Talarico held a substantial advantage over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic U.S. Senate race — two contests that drew national attention and record spending ahead of the November midterm elections.

With early votes counted, Cornyn held 44.5% in the Republican primary, followed by Attorney General Ken Paxton at 37.3% and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt at 14.2%. Because no candidate has reached the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff, a May 26 runoff between Cornyn and Paxton appears likely if the margins hold with election day votes still to be counted.

The Republican Senate primary has been described as the most expensive in U.S. history, with advertising spending exceeding $110 million heading into Tuesday. Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, has been backed by establishment Republicans who argued he is the more electable candidate in November. Paxton and Hunt are more closely aligned with the MAGA wing of the party, though President Donald Trump did not make an endorsement in the race.

On the Democratic side, Talarico led Crockett 56.2% to 42.9% in early returns, with minor candidate Ahmad R. Hassan drawing less than 1%. If Talarico’s lead holds with election day votes, he would claim the nomination outright and avoid a runoff.

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GOVERNOR

Gov. Greg Abbott was on a commanding path to the Republican nomination for a historic fourth term, leading with 82.9% of the vote over 10 challengers. Pete “Doc” Chambers, who challenged Abbott from the right, finished as the top challenger at 10.6%. No runoff appeared necessary.

If Abbott wins re-election in November, he would become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

On the Democratic side, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa led with 62.7% — well above the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff — with former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell finishing second at 11.2%. Andrew White, who withdrew from the race in January but remained on the ballot, still drew nearly 5%. Hinojosa, an attorney from Brownsville who represents Austin in the Texas House, has focused her campaign on public schools, health care costs and affordability.

Abbott will be heavily favored in November. No Democrat has won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was headed for a dominant fourth-term victory in the Republican primary, leading with 85.5% against three challengers. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Vikki Goodwin led with 54% — enough to avoid a runoff — over Marcos Isaias Velez at 27% and Courtney Head at 19%.

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ATTORNEY GENERAL

State Sen. Mayes Middleton led the Republican primary for attorney general with 43.2%, followed by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy at 29.7%, Aaron Reitz at 13.8% and state Sen. Joan Huffman at 13.3%. With no candidate above 50%, a Middleton-Roy runoff appeared likely.

The race is open because Paxton, the current attorney general, is running for U.S. Senate.

In the Democratic primary, state Sen. Nathan Johnson and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski were the top two candidates, with Tony Box running third.

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COMPTROLLER

Don Huffines led the Republican comptroller primary with 60.8%, which would be enough to avoid a runoff if the margin holds. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who was backed by Gov. Abbott, finished second at 21.9%, followed by Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick at 14.4%.

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U.S. HOUSE, DISTRICT 21

Mark Teixeira led a 12-candidate Republican primary for the open Texas 21st Congressional District seat with 57.6% — a figure that, if it holds, would give him the nomination without a runoff. Jason Cahill finished second at 13.8%, followed by Mike Wheeler at 8.2% and former Federal Election Commission chairman Trey Trainor at 6.8%.

The seat was left open when incumbent Chip Roy stepped aside to run for attorney general. The 21st District includes much of north San Antonio, parts of the Hill Country and Austin’s suburbs.

On the Democratic side, Kristin Hook — who ran against Roy in the 2024 general election — led with 63.1% over Regina Vanburg at 26.1% and Gary Taylor at 10.8%.