Abbott Holds 46-49% Lead Over Hinojosa in Governor Race

Recent polls show incumbent Republican Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa 46-49% to 41-43% in the 2026 Texas gubernatorial race. The November 3 general election matchup follows completed primaries and runoffs, with Abbott seeking a fourth term against the former Travis County district attorney. The narrow gap leaves little room for either side to coast through the final months.

Abbott Maintains Edge Despite Tightening Polls

Greg Abbott faces Gina Hinojosa in the November 3 contest after both cleared their primaries without major challenges. Polling from Texas Public Opinion Research and other outlets places Abbott in the mid-to-high 40s while Hinojosa sits in the low 40s, a range that has held steady into early June. The numbers reflect Abbott's consistent strength in rural and suburban areas offset by Hinojosa's gains in urban centers and among Hispanic voters.

Ballotpedia tracks the race as the marquee contest on the statewide ballot. Abbott's record on border security and energy policy forms the core of his campaign, while Hinojosa emphasizes education funding and health care access. No other candidates poll above single digits, keeping the focus squarely on this pairing through Election Day.

Paxton Defeats Cornyn, Advances to Face Talarico

Ken Paxton defeated incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the May 26 Republican runoff, clearing the path for a general election showdown with Democrat James Talarico. Paxton secured the nomination after a contentious primary season that highlighted divisions within the Texas GOP over immigration enforcement and federal spending. Talarico, a state representative, won his party's nomination earlier and now positions the race as a test of Democratic turnout in a state that has trended Republican in recent cycles.

The Senate contest joins the governor's race as a top target for national party committees. Paxton's victory over Cornyn shifts the Republican message toward harder-line positions on the border, while Talarico seeks to capitalize on suburban dissatisfaction with Abbott's agenda. Both candidates begin the general election phase with established donor networks and field operations already in place.

Full Slate Includes 38 House Seats and Statewide Offices

Texas voters will decide all 38 U.S. House seats plus statewide races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other offices on November 3. Incumbent Republican Dan Patrick faces Democrat Vikki Goodwin in the lieutenant governor contest, while the attorney general race features the Republican nominee against a Democratic challenger. Primaries concluded March 3 with runoffs on May 26, leaving general election matchups set across the board.

The Texas Secretary of State lists every congressional district and statewide office on the ballot. Democrats target several House seats in suburban districts around Dallas, Houston, and Austin, while Republicans defend their current majority. No major surprises emerged from the spring primaries, allowing both parties to shift resources immediately to the fall campaign.

Campaigns now turn to voter registration drives and early voting preparation ahead of the November 3 general election. The Texas Secretary of State will begin accepting candidate filings for any remaining procedural matters in the coming weeks.