The 2026 Texas primary runoff elections are in the books, and while turnout fell sharply from the record-setting March primaries, the results offered an important preview of the political environment heading into November.
Runoff elections are low-turnout affairs, and this year was no exception. With fewer races on the ballot, no weekend early voting, and election day falling the day after Memorial Day, participation fell sharply from March. Roughly 2 million Texans voted statewide, a steep decline from the more than 4.3 million voters who participated in March. But fewer voters do not mean lower stakes.
In many ways, the runoffs reinforced several trends that emerged during the primary season: tough economic times led to strong anti-incumbent sentiment, the complexity of Hispanic voter behavior continues to be the wild card in the state’s political climate, and suburbs remain a fascinating battleground.
For Texas REALTORS®, the runoff election carried meaningful implications and a mixed bag of success.
Overall, RPAC and TREPAC took positions in 10 races. At the federal level, RPAC-supported candidates earned one victory and three defeats. At the state level, TREPAC-supported candidates saw four wins and two losses. TREPAC also supported 19 local candidates, with 13 wins and six losses. See detailed results at texasrealtorssupport.com.
With the primary season now complete, attention will now turn toward November. Turnout will rise substantially and campaigns will intensify—particularly with two well-funded candidates vying for a US Senate seat.
For Texas REALTORS®, one thing remains true: Elections matter. The decisions made by elected officials at every level of government shape housing affordability, infrastructure, property taxes, land use, and the rules governing real estate itself. Staying informed—and engaged—remains one of the best ways to help shape the future of Texas real estate.