Early voting in the primaries is in full swing, and Texans are turning out to make their voices heard! Although the U.S. Senate race in both parties’ primaries is receiving the most attention, many important statewide offices are up for election this year, including a couple that are vacant and will definitely have a new officeholder in November.  

Many of these statewide offices, including that of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller, have direct input on decisions related to public education. Learn about the candidates for each office below, and use the links to visit Teach the Vote candidate pages (governor and lieutenant governor races only) so you can make an informed decision at the polls.  

2026 candidates for Texas governor 

The governor impacts public education in several ways, including setting policy agendas that influence the work of the Legislature, signing or vetoing legislation, and appointing the commissioner of education, as well as appointing members of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has served as governor since 2014. Twenty people are vying for the Governor’s Mansion this year, including Abbott, eight Republican challengers, and 10 Democratic challengers.  

The Republican gubernatorial candidates are: 

• Greg Abbott (incumbent) 
• “Doc” Pete Chambers 
• Evelyn Brooks (current SBOE member) 
• Arturo Espinosa 
• Mark Goloby 
• Kenneth Hyde 
• Stephen Samuelson 
• Ronnie Tullos 
• Nathaniel Welch 

On the Democratic side, the candidates for governor are: 

• Gina Hinojosa (current member of the Texas House) 
• Chris Bell 
• Bobby Cole 
• Andrew White (suspended campaign in January but will appear on ballot) 
• Zach Vance 
• Patricia Abrego 
• Jose Balbuena 
• Carlton Hart 
• Angela Villescaz 
• Faizan Syed 

2026 candidates for Texas lieutenant governor 

The position of lieutenant governor is arguably the most powerful in Texas, due to its role as president of the Texas Senate and its associated powers shaping legislation and ultimately dictating what legislation passes. Current Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) has served in this role since 2014. Since then, Patrick has greatly expanded his power and wielded tight control over the Senate. He faces three Republican challengers and three Democratic challengers. 

The Republican candidates for lieutenant governor are: 

• Dan Patrick (incumbent) 
• Perla Munoz Hopkins 
• Timothy Mabry 
• Esala Wueschner 

The Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor are: 

• Vikki Goodwin (current member of the Texas House) 
• Marcos Velez 
• Courtney Head 

2026 candidates for Texas attorney general 

The attorney general (AG) is the state’s top lawyer. The person in this office has an impact on public education by issuing legal opinions on current issues, filing lawsuits against districts and individual educators, and defending the state’s laws in court. The office is often seen as a stepping stone to higher office, such as governor or a seat in the U.S. Senate. (Abbott was AG prior to running for governor.) Current Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has served in the role since 2014, is running for U.S. Senate, leaving this race open. There are four Republicans and three Democrats running for this office. 

The Republican candidates for AG are: 

• Joan Huffman (current Texas senator) 
• Mayes Middleton (current Texas senator) 
• Chip Roy (current U.S. House member) 
• Aaron Reitz 

The Democratic candidates for AG are: 

• Joe Jaworski 
• Nathan Johnson (current Texas senator) 
• Tony Box 

2026 candidates for Texas state comptroller 

The office of the state comptroller is not typically seen as having the same degree of influence over Texas public education as the previously listed statewide offices. However, the comptroller influences education funding as well as financial transparency for public schools in several ways: 

• The comptroller tells the Texas Legislature how much money it has to spend in the state’s budget every two years.  
• The office conducts oversight over the taxing power of school districts, publishing data concerning local tax rates as well as school district finances.  
• The office has a new direct role in shaping education in Texas through its management of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts, otherwise known as vouchers. The comptroller’s office was given responsibility for writing and adopting the rules for the program, running the application process, and overseeing administration of the accounts by a third-party vendor.  

In 2025, Comptroller Glenn Hegar was appointed chancellor of Texas A&M University, and Abbott appointed Sen. Kelly Hancock to serve as acting comptroller. Hancock is running for a full elected term. Four Republicans, including Hancock, and three Democrats are vying for this office. 

The Republican candidates for comptroller are: 

• Kelly Hancock (current acting comptroller) 
• Don Huffines (former Texas senator) 
• Michael Berlanga 
• Christi Craddick (current railroad commissioner) 

The Democratic candidates for comptroller are: 

• Sarah Eckhardt (current Texas senator) 
• Michael Lange 
• Savant Moore 

Early voting continues through Friday, Feb. 27. Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. Take the Texas Educator Voting Pledge on Advocacy Central, research your candidates using Teach the Vote, and get out and use your teacher voice by voting!