Get you up to speed: 2026 elections live updates as polls open across the country in battle for Senate and House control
Polling indicates a potential shift among Hispanic voters in Texas, with Democrats expressing concerns about the economic situation and immigration enforcement. In competitive races, Democratic candidate Bobby Pulido highlighted “chaos in the streets” due to “aggressive ICE enforcement,” while Republican Monica De La Cruz acknowledged the need for Republicans to address affordability and immigration issues.
Hispanics constitute over 30% of Texas’ eligible electorate, influencing key races for the Senate, governorship, and House. Current polls indicate competitive matches between Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton, as well as between incumbent Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa.
Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha emphasised the potential shift among Hispanic voters, stating, “There’s a Hispanic hurricane coming,” while Republican Daniel Garza expressed that enthusiasm for Democratic plans remains low. Incumbent GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz acknowledged a need for Republicans to address affordability and immigration issues following concerns about the Trump administration’s tactics.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how much of an impact the dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters will have on upcoming electoral contests in Texas.
Polls open nationwide as 2026 elections determine Senate and House control
Two years ago, President Trump made historic gains with Hispanic voters nationwide and won a majority of Texas Hispanics, upending conventional wisdom.
But now, Democrats see signs that Hispanics could shift back, pointing to widespread frustration with the state of the economy and immigration enforcement, and Mr. Trump’s sagging approval ratings.
Hispanics make up more than 30% of Texas’ eligible electorate, making them a key constituency in the state’s Senate, gubernatorial and House races. Polls show a tight contest between Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton, and GOP Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection bid against Democrat Gina Hinojosa could be close, too.
“There’s a Hispanic hurricane coming,” predicted Democratic strategist and WTX US News political contributor Chuck Rocha, who advises Talarico and Hinojosa’s campaigns. “We just don’t know quite yet if it’s going to be Category 2 or Category 5, but it’s washing ashore right in front of the GOP, and they don’t know what to do about it.”
But Republicans say enthusiasm for Democrats is still muted.
“I think most voters couldn’t tell you what the Democrat plan is for bringing down prices,” said Daniel Garza, president of the conservative LIBRE Initiative.
In one competitive House race in South Texas, both candidates expressed concerns to WTX US News about the Trump administration’s immigration tactics.
The Democratic candidate, Tejano music star Bobby Pulido, said “there’s chaos in the streets” due to “aggressive ICE enforcement.”
Incumbent GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz predicted that Texas will remain red. “But I do think that it’s a wake-up call for Republicans to remain focused on affordability, and to come to a solution when it comes to immigration,” she said.