Texas Primaries Heat Up as Candidates React to Iran Strikes

DALLAS (AP) — Texas is among the first states to hold primaries this year, with elections unfolding as the U.S. And Israel engage in ongoing conflict with Iran. The primaries, held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, saw Republicans and Democrats vying for key positions, including a U.S. Senate seat, with the U.S. Attack on Iran becoming a central point of discussion.

Senate Races: Cornyn Faces Challenges, Democrats Choose Between Crockett and Talarico

Incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term, facing challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, voters chose between Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico to potentially challenge the Republican nominee in November. Texas has not had a Democrat win a statewide race in over 30 years.

Partisan Divide Over Iran Strikes

The U.S. And Israel carried out strikes on Iran overnight on February 28, 2026, prompting reactions from Texas congressional candidates. Republican candidates, including Senator John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Representative Dan Crenshaw, voiced support for President Donald Trump’s decision. Representative Jasmine Crockett, however, called for Congress to assert its authority over war powers and urged a vote on a war powers resolution. James Talarico has not yet commented on the attacks.

Cornyn stated the strikes would help Iranians “finally be free,” even as Paxton thanked Trump for his “courageous leadership.” Crockett emphasized the need for congressional oversight in matters of war.

Voting Issues and Redistricting

Voting was extended in Dallas County and Williamson County due to fresh primary rules causing confusion among voters. Paxton’s office challenged the extension, but the state Supreme Court ruled that ballots cast by voters in line by 7 p.m. Should be separated. The races similarly took place under newly redrawn congressional district boundaries designed by GOP lawmakers to favor Republican candidates.

Cornyn’s Re-election Bid

Senator Cornyn is aiming to avoid becoming the first Republican senator from Texas to be denied renomination. He has spent at least $64 million on television advertising since July to bolster his support. His relationship with Trump has been described as cool.

Democratic Senate Candidates

Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico presented contrasting approaches in their campaigns. Talarico, a seminarian, held rallies across the state, including in Republican areas, often referencing the Bible. Crockett focused on mobilizing Black voters in the Dallas and Houston areas and has gained a national profile for her criticisms of Republicans.

Voters expressed varied opinions on the candidates. Tanu Sani chose Talarico because he “really spoke to me in the way he tries to unify.” Andrew Kern similarly supported Talarico, citing “an approach that’s bridging some of the divisiveness.” Tomas Sanchez supported Crockett, stating she “cares about immigrants, she cares about the American people.”

Talarico significantly outspent Crockett on television advertising. He received attention after CBS canceled an interview with him due to concerns about potentially angering Trump’s FCC.

Key House Primaries

Texas Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting aimed to secure more Republican seats in the House. This resulted in several Democratic incumbents facing primary challenges.

• 34th District: Former Rep. Mayra Flores is attempting a comeback against Eric Flores, who is endorsed by Trump.
• 23rd District: Rep. Tony Gonzales faces a challenge from Brandon Herrera, known as “the AK guy.”
• 2nd District: Rep. Dan Crenshaw is challenged by state Rep. Steve Toth, endorsed by Senator Ted Cruz.
• 21st District: Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira is running as a Republican.
• 15th District: Democrat Bobby Pulido, a Latin Grammy winner, is running against physician Ada Cuellar.
• 33rd District: Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson faces former Rep. Colin Allred.
• 9th District: Democratic Rep. Al Green is running in a newly drawn district against Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee.

Governor Abbott Secures Nomination

Republican Governor Greg Abbott easily won his primary and will face Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa in the general election.

Sources: The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, News10, National Today