Texans are talking about the upcoming election like it’s the biggest thing on their radar. Whether you’re a first‑time voter or a seasoned ballot‑box regular, you probably have a few questions: When is the next primary? Which races matter most? And how do you make sure your vote counts? This guide pulls together the key details you need, without the jargon.
The 2024 Texas primary is set for March 5, with the general election on November 5. Those dates are the anchors for everything else. In March you’ll see the governor’s race, U.S. Senate, U.S. House seats, and a host of state‑level positions like the lieutenant governor and attorney general. Local elections for school boards and city councils also appear on the same ballot in many counties.
Because Texas holds runoff elections when no candidate clears the 50‑percent mark, be ready for a possible second round in May. Runoffs can decide everything from congressional seats to judgeships, so keep an eye on the results after the primary.
On the Republican side, incumbent Governor Greg Abbott is seeking another term, backed by a strong base and a solid fundraising machine. The Democratic challenger, former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, is running a grassroots campaign focused on expanding voter registration and flipping suburban districts.
For the U.S. Senate, the race pits longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn against a younger Democratic contender who’s been building momentum in Houston and Dallas. In the House, about a dozen districts are considered toss‑ups, especially those that switched hands in the 2022 midterms.
Don’t overlook ballot measures. A statewide proposition on school funding is scheduled for November, promising to raise property taxes in certain districts to boost teacher salaries. Voters are divided, and the debate will intensify in the weeks leading up to the election.
If you’re wondering whether a race is worth your time, look at the margin of victory in the last election. Districts where the previous winner edged out by less than 5 percent are the ones that can swing the state’s delegation in Washington.
Texas offers three main ways to cast a ballot: in‑person on Election Day, early voting at a designated location, and mail‑in voting for those who qualify. To vote early, you can start as soon as the first Monday after the primary filing deadline and continue up to the Saturday before Election Day. Check your county’s website for the nearest early‑voting site—most are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you qualify for absentee voting—students, seniors, or anyone with a disability—you’ll need to request a ballot at least 30 days before the election. The form can be downloaded online, printed, and mailed back with your signature. Texas now accepts electronic signatures for absentee ballots, making the process faster.
On Election Day, bring a valid photo ID—driver’s license, passport, or a Texas voter ID card. If you don’t have one, a copy of a recent utility bill or a bank statement with your name and address works as a secondary form of ID.
The outcome of the Texas Election shapes everything from education policy to tax rates. A win for the Democrats could bring changes to school funding formulas and stricter voting regulations, while a Republican sweep might keep the current approach to property taxes and business regulations.
Businesses watch the governor’s race closely because the office controls the state’s economic development agenda. A shift in leadership can affect incentives for new factories, renewable energy projects, and even the minimum wage.
For everyday Texans, the most immediate impact is on local services—police staffing, road repairs, and public health funding. Knowing which candidates support your community’s priorities helps you make an informed choice.
Bottom line: stay aware of the dates, understand who’s running, and make a plan to vote either early or on Election Day. Your vote is the most direct way to influence the policies that affect your family, job, and neighborhood.
On May 28, 2024, Texas voters cast their ballots in the primary runoff election to finalize candidates for various offices, including U.S. Senate and legislative seats. This election was necessary because no primary candidate obtained the required majority of votes. The election results will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for the November general election.
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