Recent polling data from Texas Southern University indicates that Beto O'Rourke leads the Democratic primary for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas with 58% support, followed by Colin Allred at 38%. In a separate Democratic primary contest, Allred holds 50% against James Talarico's 43%. On the Republican side, Attorney General Ken Paxton leads the GOP primary with 35%, closely followed by incumbent Senator John Cornyn at 30%, and Don Huffines Hunt at 22%. However, more recent polling shows Paxton's lead over Cornyn narrowing, with a new poll indicating Paxton at 44% and Cornyn at 39%, reflecting a tightening race. Cornyn's campaign has invested millions in television advertising to close the gap. These polls reflect a competitive primary season ahead in Texas for both parties. Additionally, Illinois is expected to see fiercely competitive primary campaigns for open U.S. House and Senate seats in 2026.