Texas politics is always a bit of a whirlwind, but right now, things are getting exceptionally noisy. Everyone is talking about the Texas early voting results for the upcoming 2026 cycle, yet there's a lot of confusion floating around. People are refreshing their browsers looking for "winners" when the primary hasn't even hit the early voting phase yet.
Honestly, if you're looking for final tallies for the big races like the Governor or the U.S. Senate, you’re going to be waiting a while. We are currently in that weird "pre-game" window. Right now, the real action is happening in special runoff elections and local municipal battles that most people completely ignore. But if you want to know who is actually showing up and what it says about the March 3 primaries, you have to look at the turnout data from places like Harris and Tarrant counties.
The 2026 cycle is huge. We have a Governor’s race with no incumbent, a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs, and a massive redistricting fight that just got a green light from the courts.
What the Current Texas Early Voting Results Actually Show
So, let's get into the weeds. As of mid-January 2026, the primary "early voting" period for the March 3rd elections hasn't started—that kicks off on February 17, 2026.
However, we do have active data for special elections. Specifically, the runoff for Congressional District 18 and Texas Senate District 9. In Tarrant County, for example, the early voting for these runoffs is happening right now, running through January 27.
These small-scale Texas early voting results are the only real-time tea leaves we have. Usually, turnout for a special runoff is abysmal. We're talking single digits. But early reports from the Tarrant County Elections Administrator show a slight uptick in mail-in ballot requests compared to this same time four years ago.
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Is it a "blue wave" or a "red wall"? It's too early to say. Texas is notoriously "low turnout" until it isn't. The 2024 cycle saw a massive spike, and party organizers are desperate to see if that energy carries over into 2026. Basically, if you see high numbers in the CD-18 runoff, it's a signal that the ground game for the March primaries is already warmed up.
The Big Dates You Need to Circle
If you are waiting for the "real" Texas early voting results—the ones that determine who will face off for Governor or Senator—you need to mark these dates on your fridge.
- February 2, 2026: This is the absolute last day to register to vote for the primary. If you aren't on the list by then, you're sitting out the first round.
- February 17, 2026: Early voting for the Primary Election begins. This is usually where about 50% to 60% of the total vote is cast in Texas these days.
- February 27, 2026: Early voting ends.
- March 3, 2026: Primary Election Day.
The Secretary of State’s office, currently led by Jane Nelson, usually starts posting the "Daily Count of Early Voters" by 11:00 a.m. the day after voting begins. That's when the data nerds (myself included) start looking at which precincts are over-performing.
Why CD-18 and SD-9 Matter Right Now
You might think a special election in January is just a footnote. It's not.
The runoff for Congressional District 18 is a high-stakes battle for a seat that has historically been a stronghold of Democratic leadership. The Texas early voting results for this specific race are a test of whether the urban base is still energized after the 2024 presidential cycle.
In Senate District 9, the turnout is a barometer for the suburban "purple" shift. Tarrant County has been the ultimate swing county in Texas lately. If Republicans dominate the early voting turnout here in January, it gives them massive momentum heading into the March 3 primary where several conservative incumbents are facing well-funded challengers.
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Common Misconceptions About Early Results
I hear this every cycle: "Early voting results show Candidate X is winning!"
Actually, no.
Under the Texas Election Code, counties are forbidden from releasing actual vote tallies (who people voted for) until the polls close on Election Day. When you see "results" during the early voting period, what you are actually seeing is turnout data.
You are seeing who voted (their name and party affiliation in a primary), but not how they voted.
It's a guessing game. We look at the demographics—age, location, and whether they have a history of voting in Republican or Democratic primaries—to guess which way the wind is blowing.
Actionable Steps for Texas Voters
The window is closing fast. If you want your voice to be part of the Texas early voting results that everyone will be analyzing in a few weeks, here is exactly what you need to do:
- Check your status. Go to the "Am I Registered?" portal on the VoteTexas.gov website. Do it today. If you've moved since the last election, even just across town, you might need to update your address to avoid a "limited ballot" situation.
- Request your mail-in ballot early. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail for the March primary is February 20, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute because the mail service can be unpredictable.
- Find your "Wait Time" map. Most large counties like Harris, Dallas, and Bexar now have live maps showing how long the lines are at early voting locations. Use them. It's the difference between a 5-minute walk-in and a 2-hour ordeal.
- Study the local races. While the Governor's race gets the headlines, the people who actually affect your property taxes and school boards are often buried at the bottom of the ballot.
Texas is no longer a "predictable" state. These early numbers are the first real look at whether the 2026 midterms will be a status-quo year or another cycle of major shifts. Keep an eye on the Tarrant and Harris county dashboards starting February 17th—that’s when the real story begins to unfold.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
- Download the sample ballot for your specific precinct from your County Clerk's website.
- Set a calendar reminder for February 17 to check the first batch of turnout statistics from the Secretary of State.
- Verify your registration status before the February 2 deadline to ensure your primary vote counts.