News · TX
Abbott orders pause on Texas data center permits
Elections and votingThe governor’s directive temporarily stops covered data center permit decisions while the state determines the next steps.
The Ballot Texas Policy DeskSep 23, 2026
Offices on the ballot
Texas voters will decide a U.S. Senate race, all 38 U.S. House races and contests for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general on Nov. 3. The Senate winner will serve a six-year term, while U.S. House seats are elected every two years.
The NBC News Decision Desk labels the Senate contest and the 34th Congressional District contest as toss-ups. It rates the 28th District as leaning Democratic and the governor’s race as likely Republican. These ratings are assessments of the races, not election results.
Candidates in key races
Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are listed for U.S. Senate.
In the 34th Congressional District, Democrat Vicente Gonzalez and Republican Eric Flores are listed. In the 28th District, Democrat Henry Cuellar and Republican Tano Tijerina are listed.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Republican Greg Abbott are listed for governor. Democrat Vikki Goodwin and Republican Dan Patrick are listed for lieutenant governor. Democrat Nathan Johnson and Republican Mayes Middleton are listed for attorney general.
Results and voting history
Primary contest information and eventual general-election results are organized by office on NBC News’ Texas election page. The page also includes a presidential vote-history section for comparing Texas results from earlier presidential elections.
Election ratings may change as the campaign continues, but they do not determine how ballots are counted. The Nov. 3 results will decide who serves in each office.