Texas Midterm Election Day: More Than 7.7 Million Voted Early as Governor and Senate Races Draw National Attention
Texas voters went to the polls on November 3 for the 2026 midterm elections. Polling locations opened at 7 a.m. local time and were scheduled to close at 7 p.m. The most closely watched contests include Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's bid for a fourth term against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, and the U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. Preliminary figures reported by The Texas Tribune from the secretary of state's office showed more than 7.7 million early voters, representing about 40.5% of registered voters and setting a modern record for early voting in a Texas midterm.
The Texas Tribune reported on October 31 that more than 7.7 million Texans had voted early by the end of the early-voting period. That represented about 40.5% of registered voters and exceeded the previous modern midterm record set in 2018. The figures came from preliminary data released by the Texas secretary of state's office. County reporting schedules differ, and mail-ballot information can continue to be updated, so the early-vote total should not be treated as the final turnout figure.
CBS Texas had earlier reported a total of about 7.41 million early ballots, reflecting an earlier data cutoff. The Texas Tribune later reported a figure above 7.7 million. The two numbers are not necessarily contradictory; they reflect different reporting times and updates to the state's data.
In the governor's race, incumbent Republican Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term against Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa. In the Senate contest, Democrat James Talarico is challenging Republican Ken Paxton for a seat that has attracted national attention. The Texas Tribune noted that voters are also deciding several statewide offices and local contests involving state legislative districts, counties, cities and school districts.
PBS, KXAN and KHOU all highlighted the governor and Senate contests in their Election Day coverage. The Texas Tribune's live-results page uses Associated Press data and says results will be updated as counties report. Early turnout patterns and vote totals during the day do not determine the final outcome.
KXAN reported that Texas polling locations were scheduled to open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who were in line by closing time could still cast a ballot. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth also noted that Election Day ballots would be counted and updated after polls close. Polling locations, wait times and local races vary by county, so voters should check their county's official election information.
The election will determine more than federal representation. State-level policy on immigration enforcement, cost of living, taxes, health care and education has been central to the campaigns. The record early-vote total indicates strong participation, but it does not by itself show which party is favored.
As of Election Day on November 3, voters were still casting ballots and election officials were still preparing to count them. Early-voting figures are preliminary, and Election Day ballots, mail ballots and other legally countable votes must still be processed. Live pages from The Texas Tribune and other outlets update using Associated Press and official data, but media leads or projections are not a substitute for formal certification by state and county election authorities.