Texas Primary Runoff Elections 2026
Frequently Asked Questions for South Asian Voters
“Wait… Why Are Texans Voting Again?”
Texas is holding a Primary Runoff Election because some races in the March primary election did not have a candidate receive more than 50% of the vote.
When that happens, the top two candidates move into a runoff election to determine the final nominee for their political party.
These runoff elections help decide who will appear on the November ballot and who could ultimately hold office across Texas.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR BALLOT
“When Is the Texas Primary Runoff Election?”
Early Voting
May 18–22, 2026
Election Day
May 26, 2026
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR BALLOT
“What Is a Primary Runoff Election?”
A primary runoff election is essentially a “final round” election between the top two candidates after the primary election.
Texas law requires candidates to receive over 50% of the vote to win outright.
If nobody reaches that number, voters return to decide between the remaining candidates.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR BALLOT
“What Offices Are on the Ballot?”
Depending on where you live, Texas voters may see runoff races for:
U.S. Senate
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
U.S. House
Texas Senate
Texas House
County Offices
Judicial Positions
Local Offices and Municipal Races
Some counties may also have local runoff elections for city council, mayor, school board, or other municipal positions.
“Why Should I Vote in a Runoff Election?”
Runoff elections are often decided by very small margins.
That means a smaller number of voters can have a much larger impact on the outcome.
These elections help determine:
who represents Texas,
who shapes public policy,
who oversees courts,
and who makes decisions affecting schools, healthcare, infrastructure, public safety, and local communities.
Even though runoff elections receive less attention, they can have long-term consequences for communities across Texas.
“Why Does This Matter for South Asian Voters?”
Texas has one of the fastest-growing South Asian populations in the country.
South Asian communities contribute to Texas through:
small businesses,
healthcare,
education,
technology,
public service,
and civic leadership.
Participating in runoff elections is one way communities continue building civic representation and ensuring our voices are included in decisions affecting our daily lives.
Political influence grows through consistent participation — not only during presidential elections.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR BALLOT
“Can I Vote in Any Party’s Runoff?”
Texas uses an open primary system, but there are important rules:
If you voted in the March primary election, you must vote in the same party’s runoff.
If you did not vote in the March primary, you may choose which party’s runoff to participate in.
You may only vote in one party’s runoff election.
“What Happens If I Skip the Runoff?”
When turnout is low, a very small number of voters can end up deciding important races.
Runoff elections often determine candidates who later win office in November — especially in districts heavily dominated by one political party.
That means these elections can quietly shape leadership across Texas long before the general election.
“How Do I Prepare to Vote?”
Before voting:
✅ Check your voter registration
✅ Review your ballot
✅ Plan your voting day
✅ Bring an accepted photo ID
✅ Encourage family and friends to participate
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR BALLOT
“Where Can I Learn More?”
SAAVETX Education Fund is committed to helping South Asian communities across Texas stay informed and civically engaged.
Visit our Civic Center resources to:
learn about upcoming elections,
understand what’s on your ballot,
and access nonpartisan voting information.
Every election matters — and runoff elections are often where political power is decided quietly.
As Texans prepare for the Texas Primary Runoff Election 2026, many voters are searching for information about the Texas runoff election, including Texas early voting dates, the Texas runoff ballot, and who is on the Texas runoff ballot before the May 26 election. From the high-profile Texas Senate runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton to the Texas Attorney General runoff, and Nathan Johnson Texas”
Joe Jaworsk ivoters across the state are looking for a reliable Texas voter guide and answers to questions like how do Texas runoff elections work, can I vote in the Texas runoff, and where to find their Texas sample ballot and polling location. As turnout in the Texas primary runoff is often much lower than in presidential elections, understanding the Texas primary election rules, reviewing Texas runoff races, and making a plan to vote during Texas early voting can have a major impact on who advances to the general election in November.