What Texas Voters Need to Know About the 2026 Midterm Election

The 2026 midterm election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, giving Texans the opportunity to choose who will represent them at the federal, state and local levels.

Midterm elections are held halfway through a four-year presidential term. Although they often receive less attention than presidential elections, their outcomes help determine the balance of power in Congress and the Texas Legislature – as well as who will lead many of the state agencies and offices that affect Texans’ everyday lives.

For Texas hospitals and the communities they serve, decisions made by elected officials can influence healthcare access, workforce development, public health, insurance coverage, emergency preparedness and the resources available to care for patients.

What Will Be on the Ballot?

The offices and candidates appearing on each voter’s ballot will vary based on where they live.

Statewide races in 2026 include:

U.S. Senate;
Governor;
Lieutenant Governor;
Attorney General;
Comptroller of Public Accounts;
Commissioner of the General Land Office;
Agriculture Commissioner;
Railroad Commissioner;
Texas Supreme Court justices; and
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges.

Texans will also vote in district-level races for the U.S. House of Representatives and Texas House of Representatives. Depending on their districts, some voters will see races for the Texas Senate and State Board of Education.

County, municipal, school board and other local contests or propositions may also appear on the ballot.

Why Midterm Elections Matter

The officials elected in November will make decisions affecting healthcare, education, taxes, transportation, public safety and other issues that directly shape communities across Texas.

Historically, voter participation tends to be lower in midterm elections than in presidential elections. With fewer people casting ballots, each voter can have an even greater influence on the outcome of a race.

As Election Day approaches, eligible Texans should learn about the candidates and races on their ballots, confirm their voter registration and make a plan for when and where they will vote.

Important 2026 Election Dates

Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote
Oct. 19: First day of early voting in person
Oct. 23: Last day for an early voting clerk to receive an application for a ballot by mail
Oct. 30: Last day of early voting in person
Nov. 3: General Election Day

These dates are confirmed by the Texas Secretary of State.

Texas Voter Resources

Check your voter registration
Use the Texas Secretary of State’s Am I Registered? portal to confirm your registration status. Eligible Texans who are not registered can find an application and instructions through VoteTexas.gov.

Find your polling place
Visit VoteTexas.gov to find early-voting and Election Day polling locations. Registered voters may vote at any early-voting location in their county of residence.

Find out who represents you
Enter your address into the Texas Legislature’s Who Represents Me? tool to identify your current state and federal representatives.

Preview your ballot
Review the Texas Tribune’s 2026 voter guide to explore the races and candidates that may appear on your ballot. Voters should also consult their county elections office for an official sample ballot.

Review voter identification requirements
Texas voters who possess one of the state’s seven approved forms of photo identification must present it when voting in person. Those who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an approved photo ID may present a supporting form of identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Review the requirements and accepted forms of identification at VoteTexas.gov.

Whether voting early, by mail if eligible or on Election Day, planning ahead can help Texans participate confidently in the 2026 election.