Voting nears to a close in Texas primary that may be crucial to control of the Senate

Politics Voting nears to a close in Texas primary that may be crucial to control of the Senate March 3, 2026 6:40 PM ET Ashley Lopez A "VOTE" sign is posted near a polling center in Austin, Texas on Tuesday. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images Two of the most closely watched contests this election night are primary races for a senate seat in Texas, currently held by Sen. John Cornyn. Both the GOP and Democratic primaries are a potential litmus test for what direction base voters want their parties to go ahead of midterm elections this fall that will determine power in Congress. Cornyn, a conservative stalwart, is hoping to fend off his two main challengers: Ken Paxton, the state's often embattled attorney general, and Congressman Wesley Hunt. Both challengers argue they are more aligned with President Trump and the current state of the Republican Party, which has continued a rightward shift in the past decade. Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002, has voted in favor of the president consistently while in office. Sen. John Cornyn, left, is hoping to fend off a challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Brandon Bell/Getty Images; Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images; Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images To win outright, either candidate would have to secure more than 50% of the vote. Because all three candidates have garnered significant support in the polls, it is likely this race may be settled by a runoff in May. If Cornyn were to lose this primary, the lack of an incumbent could create a unique opportunity for Democrats, who are hoping to flip enough Republican-held seats in the chamber to regain the majority. The Democratic primary Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, an Austin-area state lawmaker, are each hoping to secure the Democratic nomination. Crockett announced her Senate bid after Republicans in Texas redrew the state's c...