February 18, 2026 at 05:00AM
Electability and enthusiasm: How the Texas Senate primaries are testing the direction of both parties
Republican and Democratic Senate primaries in Texas are serving as early indicators of each party’s direction and strategy for November, highlighting tensions over candidate quality, fundraising, and messaging in a reliably red state. The contests probe how much enthusiasm and broad appeal will be needed to mobilize voters and win in Texas, with debates over electability versus ideological alignment shaping campaign dynamics on both sides.