Early voting begins Tuesday in the March 3 primary elections, including local Congressional races in the 2026 midterm elections as well as state and county-level races. Early voting continues through Friday, February 27. Any runoff elections will be held on May 26.
On the federal side, there are primary elections in both the Democratic and Republican parties for the U.S. Senate seat long held by Republican John Cornyn, who is facing stiff challenges from primary contenders Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of the Houston-centered 38th District. On the Democratic side, the main contenders are U.S. Rep.. Jasmine Crockett of the Dallas area and Texas Rep. James Talerico, who represents part of central Texas.
The three Congressional House district that represent parts of Fort Bend County also have primary elections. They are the 22nd District seat held by outgoing Republican Troy Nehls of Richmond, the 7th District now held by Democrat Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, and the recently redrawn 18th District, which includes much of the Fort Bend territory that was in the 9th District long held by Democrat Al Green of Houston. In the Democratic primary, Green is challenging incumbent Christian Menefee, the former Harris County County Attorney who last month won a special election to fill out the remainder of the seat's term.
Primaries are being held in all statewide and Texas House of Representative races, including for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general (being vacated by Paxon), comptroller, the heads of state commissions, election board and judicial races.
In Fort Bend County, the most-watched race will undoubtedly be that for Fort Bend County Judge, who acts as the county's chief executive officer and presides over Commissioners Court. The race takes on extra drama this year as incumbent KP George, who originally was a Democrat but last year announced his switch to the Republican Party, is vying for reelection even as he faces a felony money-laundering trial set for March 10, followed by a misdemeanor trial in May. George is facing four challengers on the Republican side. Another five candidates are competing on the Democratic ballot.
On Commissioners Court, longtime Precinct 2 Commissioner is running for reelection on the Democratic side, facing several challengers. The Precinct 4 seat now held by Dexter McCoy is wide open as McCoy vies for the Democratic nomination for County Judge.
After last year's county-level redistricting of county precinct and voting precincts, many voters may not be familiar with their current voting lines. Information on voting precincts, sample ballots, and polling elections can be found at fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/elections-voter-registration.
The League of Women Voters of Texas offers a nonpartisan voters guide for U.S. Senate and state elections at lwvtexas.org. Physical copies of the guide can be found at area libraries. Information on local races can be found at the interactive website vote411.org.
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