Texas's 40 Electoral Votes
How they work and why they matter
Forty votes. That's Texas's weight in the Electoral College — the second-largest prize in the country, behind only California's 54. No Republican has won the presidency without Texas since Eisenhower, and no path to 270 ignores a state this size. Texas isn't just a red state — it's the foundation of the Republican electoral map.
How It Works
Texas is a winner-take-all state. Whoever wins the statewide popular vote receives all 40 electoral votes. (Maine and Nebraska are the only states that split.)
Recent Presidential Results in Texas
*Texas gained electoral votes as its population grew: 32 EV (pre-2004), 34 EV (2004–2012), 38 EV (2012–2020), 40 EV (2022–present).
Battleground Context
Texas has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1980. The 2020 margin of 5.6% was the closest in decades, leading some analysts to label it a potential swing state. But Trump's 2024 margin widened back to 13.8%, reinforcing Texas's position as a Republican stronghold. The last Democratic presidential win in Texas was Jimmy Carter in 1976. Before that, Lyndon B. Johnson — a Texan — carried the state in 1964. While the state's rapidly growing and diversifying population keeps long-term competitiveness in the conversation, for the near term, Texas remains firmly in the Republican column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many electoral votes does Texas have?
Texas has 40 electoral votes, based on its 38 Congressional seats plus 2 U.S. Senate seats. This allocation has been in place since the 2022 elections, following reapportionment after the 2020 census.
Has Texas ever voted Democrat for President?
Yes. Texas last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 1976, when Jimmy Carter carried the state. Before that, Lyndon B. Johnson — a Texan — won the state in 1964.
Is Texas a swing state?
Texas is not currently classified as a swing state. While the 2020 presidential margin narrowed to 5.6%, Trump's 2024 margin widened back to 13.8%. Texas has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1980.
How are Texas electoral votes allocated?
Texas is a winner-take-all state. Whoever wins the statewide popular vote receives all 40 electoral votes. Only Maine and Nebraska split their electoral votes by congressional district.
When did Texas gain electoral votes?
Texas gained 2 electoral votes after the 2020 census (38 → 40), effective with the 2022 elections. The state has consistently gained representation as its population grows: 32 EV (pre-2004), 34 EV (2004–2012), 38 EV (2012–2020), 40 EV (2022–present).
Those 40 votes get decided by millions of individual races down the ballot — governor, Senate, House. See every race on the line in 2026.
View All Texas Races →