2026 Texas gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:2026 Texas gubernatorial election
Country:Texas
Type:gubernatorial
Ongoing:yes
Previous Election:2022 Texas gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2022
Next Election:2030 Texas gubernatorial election
Next Year:2030
Election Date:November 3, 2026
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:Greg Abbott
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2026 Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election to an unprecedented fourth term.[1] If Abbott were to be successful and finish out a fourth full term, he would become the state's longest-serving governor with 16 years on January 21, 2031, surpassing the 14 years of his predecessor, Rick Perry. He would also tie with former South Dakota governor Bill Janklow as the fifth longest-serving governor in United States history at 5,845 days served.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Potential

Declined

Democratic primary

Candidates

Potential

Independents

Candidates

Declined

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Donald Trump says Greg Abbott is 'absolutely' on vice president short list . March 1, 2024 . March 9, 2024 . . Watkins . Matthew.
  2. News: Solender . Andrew . Scoop: A huge wave of House members is eyeing runs for other offices in 2026 . November 27, 2024 . . November 27, 2024 . en.
  3. Web site: Will Patrick challenge Abbott in 2026? . August 3, 2023 . Jeffers Jr., Gromer . Waco Tribune-Herald.
  4. News: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll run for reelection in 2026, reversing previous plan to retire . Patrick . Svitek . . January 24, 2023 . October 7, 2024 .
  5. Web site: McKinley. Edward. Texas Dem insiders list candidates to watch . Houston Chronicle. August 28, 2024.
  6. News: . November 29, 2024 . Matthew McConaughey says he won't be running for Texas governor . Jones, Cristela . November 18, 2024 . en.