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Texas Primary Battles Heat Up: Key Races at Stake

3/4/2026

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Texas Primaries Heat Up

Voters in the 2026 Texas primaries are deciding key federal, state, and local races.
Early results are expected shortly after polls closed at 7 p.m. local time.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn faces challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico compete for the nomination.
Three Democratic candidates are challenging incumbent Dan Patrick in the lieutenant governor race.

Right

Buncombe Voter Surge

Buncombe County reported nearly 50,000 total voters, surpassing the 2024 presidential election turnout.
Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and closed at 7:30 p.m.
Any voter in line at closing time could cast their ballot.
Voters must show photo ID to vote.
Unaffiliated voters can choose any party's ballot, and the Republican and Democratic primaries for the U.S. Senate feature John Cornyn and Jasmine Crockett.

History

Historical Context

Texas's voter ID law, enacted in 2011, mandates photo identification for voting, impacting millions, particularly minorities. A 2016 federal court ruled the law discriminatory against black and Hispanic voters. The ongoing debate over voter access and election integrity continues to shape Texas politics, as seen in the 2026 primaries, where nearly 50,000 voters in Buncombe County were affected.

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Texas Primaries Heat Up

Voters in the 2026 Texas primaries are deciding key federal, state, and local races.
Early results are expected shortly after polls closed at 7 p.m. local time.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn faces challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico compete for the nomination.
Three Democratic candidates are challenging incumbent Dan Patrick in the lieutenant governor race.

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