The March 3 Texas primary elections delivered something we rarely see in a midterm cycle: record-setting turnout. Fueled by competitive, high-profile U.S. Senate races in both parties, Texans showed up at the polls in impressive numbers.
Final certified results—including detailed numbers on REALTOR® voter participation—will take some time to compile, and a few precincts in a handful of counties are still reporting. But as of March 4, at least 4,384,090 Texans voted in the primaries, representing 23.5% of registered voters statewide.
2,311,510 Democrats (12.39%) cast ballots—more than double Democratic turnout from the 2022 midterm primary.
2,072,580 Republicans (11.11%) voted—an increase of roughly 120,000 votes compared to 2022.
That level of participation is remarkable for a midterm primary in Texas.
Why Primary Elections Matter
In Texas, the March primary is often the election that truly determines who will hold office. Because many legislative and congressional districts are drawn with a strong partisan advantage, the nominee chosen in the primary frequently goes on to win the general election in November. In other words, the people who vote in primaries often decide who represents their community.
Yet even with record participation this year, nearly three-quarters of registered Texas voters stayed home. That matters.
The officials chosen in these elections write, sign, and interpret the laws that shape Texas—laws that directly affect property rights, housing policy, taxation, land use, and the broader real estate market. That’s why REALTOR® voter participation is so important.
RPAC & TREPAC by the Numbers
For candidates supported by RPAC and TREPAC, the results were a mixed bag—some exciting victories, a few tough losses, and several races headed to runoffs.
Across Texas, RPAC and TREPAC took direction from our members and supported 75 candidates with contested primaries. The results:
56 wins
7 runoffs
12 losses
Each category includes some of the strongest allies of Texas REALTORS®, underscoring just how competitive this cycle has been.
Head to texasrealtorssupport.com to review results and keep up with upcoming runoff races. We’ll be posting the full primary results and launching our runoff voter guide soon.
What Happens Next
The first round of voting is over, but the election cycle is far from finished. Texas will hold primary runoff elections on May 26, where voters will decide several remaining nominations.
Here’s what you need to know:
If you voted in the Democratic or Republican primary, you may only vote in that same party’s runoff.
If you did not vote in the March primary, you are free to vote in either party’s runoff in May.
The deadline to register to vote for the runoff election is Monday, April 27.
Each party has at least one statewide race heading to a runoff, and there may also be local or legislative runoffs in your area.
Why REALTOR® Engagement Matters
Elections determine the policymakers who shape the environment in which REALTORS® and property owners operate. From property taxes to housing affordability, infrastructure to land-use policy, the decisions made in Austin and Washington directly affect the real estate industry and the ability of Texans to achieve the dream of homeownership.
That’s why REALTOR® engagement—especially in low-turnout primary elections—can make a real difference. The next opportunity to make your voice heard is May 26. Make a plan to vote.