Texas’ 32nd Congressional District: A Pivotal Race in 2026

The race for Texas’ 32nd Congressional District is shaping up to be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting efforts have dramatically altered the district’s political landscape, transforming a reliably Democratic seat into one strongly favored by Republicans. This article examines the shifting dynamics of the 32nd District, the candidates vying for the position, and the implications for the upcoming election.

Redistricting and the Shift in Political Landscape

Last year’s redistricting process significantly redrew the boundaries of the 32nd Congressional District. The new map extends from the Dallas suburbs eastward into rural East Texas, encompassing six new counties with a predominantly Republican electorate. According to political science professor Mark Jones of Rice University, District 32 is now “far and away the most solidly Republican” of the five districts targeted by Republicans during redistricting [Texas Tribune].

The changes are stark. While the district was previously carried by Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election by approximately 24 percentage points, projections now indicate Donald Trump would have won the redrawn district by an 18-point margin [Texas Tribune]. This shift has effectively removed the district from Democratic reach, prompting incumbent Representative Julie Johnson to seek reelection in a neighboring district.

The Republican Primary: A Crowded Field

Nine Republican candidates are competing in the primary election for the 32nd Congressional District [CBS News], [Axios Dallas]. Notable contenders include:

• Ryan Binkley: A businessman and pastor who previously launched a long-shot bid for the presidency in 2024. He has significantly self-funded his campaign, raising over $429,000 and loaning over $1.5 million [CBS News].
• Jace Yarbrough: An attorney, conservative activist, and former state Senate candidate.
• Darrell Day: The Republican nominee for the district in the previous election cycle.
• Paul Bondar: Who ran for Oklahoma’s 4th District in 2024.
• Aimee Carrasco, Gordon Heslop, Monty Montanez, James Ussery and Abteen Vaziri are also on the ballot [CBS News].

With a crowded field, a runoff election between the top two finishers is anticipated, as it is unlikely any candidate will secure more than 50% of the vote in the initial primary [CBS News].

The Democratic Response

The redrawn district has forced incumbent Representative Julie Johnson to compete for the Democratic nomination in the 30th Congressional District, where she is facing a primary challenge from former Representative Colin Allred [CBS News].

Looking Ahead

The 32nd Congressional District represents a significant opportunity for Republicans to expand their majority in the House of Representatives. The outcome of the primary and the subsequent general election will be closely watched as a bellwether of the broader political trends in Texas and the nation. With the district now firmly within Republican reach, the focus will be on which candidate can best mobilize the new electorate and secure a victory in November.