Texas voters headed to the polls Tuesday for primary elections featuring highly contested Senate races on both the Republican and Democratic sides, marking the first primary day of the 2026 election cycle.

In the Republican primary, four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn faces challenges from State Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt. The race has drawn significant attention as Cornyn seeks to fend off opposition from within his own party.

On the Democratic side, Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is competing against State Representative James Talarico for the party's nomination. Democrats are hoping to break their decades-long losing streak in statewide races in Texas.

Texas set a new record for early voting turnout in the primary, indicating high voter interest in the contests. Polls closed Tuesday evening across the state.

Primary elections were also held Tuesday in Arkansas and North Carolina, but the Texas Senate race has garnered the most national attention due to the competitive nature of both party contests.

Voters and activists described the races as critical for both parties, with significant implications for the November general election and control of the U.S. Senate.