High Turnout Marks Texas Democratic Primary as Election Day Approaches

The Texas Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate has seen unprecedented early voting turnout, with over 1.3 million ballots cast as of the end of the early voting period. This surge reflects heightened interest in a race that features two prominent candidates: Representative Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and State Representative James Talarico of Austin. Political analysts suggest that the turnout could potentially surpass the record set during the 2008 Democratic primary, which saw more than 2.8 million voters participate. Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, noted, “It’s off the charts in terms of primary turnout,” indicating a significant shift in voter engagement among Texas Democrats.

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The primary elections, scheduled for March 3, 2026, will determine candidates for various statewide offices, including U.S. Senate, governor, and attorney general, as well as all 38 House seats. Texas operates open primaries, allowing voters to choose which party's primary to participate in without prior registration with a party. This flexibility may contribute to the increased engagement observed among Democratic voters, particularly in light of a recent special election victory for Democrats in a district previously held by Republicans.

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Crockett and Talarico represent a new wave of Democratic candidates aiming to reclaim a Senate seat that has been held by Republicans for decades. Polling data indicates a competitive race, with a University of Texas poll showing Crockett leading Talarico by 12 percentage points. However, Talarico's campaign has gained momentum following a viral interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which has drawn significant attention to his candidacy. The dynamics of the race are further complicated by the challenge facing incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

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Political experts attribute the increased turnout to a combination of factors, including the competitive nature of the primary and a renewed sense of hope among Democratic voters. Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, remarked, “Democrats for the first time in a long time actually have an interesting, contested primary and sense that they have a chance to win the seat.”

New York Times

Despite the enthusiasm among Democratic voters, some analysts caution against overconfidence. James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, noted that the polling data could shift significantly as more campaign funds are spent in the lead-up to Election Day. This sentiment underscores the unpredictable nature of electoral politics, particularly in a state with a history of Republican dominance.

New York Times

As Election Day approaches, voters are reminded to check their registration status and polling locations through the Texas Secretary of State's My Voter portal. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on March 3, allowing voters to participate in what could be a pivotal election for the Democratic Party in Texas.

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• “It’s off the charts in terms of primary turnout,” — Mark P. Jones, Political Science Professor, Rice University

New York Times

• “Democrats for the first time in a long time actually have an interesting, contested primary and sense that they have a chance to win the seat,” — Matthew Wilson, Political Science Professor, Southern Methodist University

New York Times

• “millions of dollars were going to be spent in these races after we collected this data, so I would not be surprised and nobody should be surprised if there is movement in these numbers,” said Henson.” — James Henson, Director, Texas Politics Project

Dallas Observer