Live updates, results: Texas primary runoff election 2026 in Houston

HOUSTON - Texas voters showed up at the polls on Tuesday for the Democratic and Republican primary runoff elections.

Big picture view:

In March, Republicans and Democrats voted for the candidates they want to represent their party on the November ballot. However, races where no single candidate got more than 50% of the vote head to a runoff between the two candidates who got the most votes.

Local perspective:

Here in the Houston area, there are several races that we'll be keeping a very close eye on, including local leaders and U.S. representatives.

We will bring you live updates on results once the votes are counted.

LIVE UPDATES: Primary runoff elections in Houston, Texas

7 a.m. Wed., May 27 - Letitia Plummer, Orlando Sanchez, and Dexter McCoy win

Letitia Plummer beat Annise Parker in the Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Judge. Orlando Sanchez was able to get the victory against Warren A. Howell as the Republican candidate for county judge.

Dexter McCoy beat Rachelle Carter in the Democratic runoff for Fort Bend County judge

9:05 p.m. - VIDEO: Christian Menefee addresses his supporters after CD-18 race win

8:50 p.m. - VIDEO: Cornyn addresses supporters following Senate race defeat

8:20 p.m. - Mealer defeats Cain, Bonck defeats DeZevallos

The Associated Press is projecting that Alex Mealer has defeated Briscoe Cain in the U.S. Representative, District 9 race on the Republican ticket. 

The Associated Press is also projecting Jon Bonck has defeated Shelly DeZevallos in the U.S. Representative, District 38 race on the Republican ticket. 

8 p.m. - Paxton beats Cornyn in Texas Senate race

8 p.m. - The Associated Press is projecting that Ken Paxton beats John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary. 

7:45 p.m. - Menefee beats Green in District 18

The Associated Press is projecting that Congressman Christian Menefee beats Congressman Al Green in the District 18 Congressional race. 

7 p.m. - Polls close

Polls are now closed in Southeast Texas. We're tracking key races in the Houston area and across the state. Click the link below to see results as they come in.

• Texas statewide races
• U.S. Senate Race: Paxton vs Cornyn
• Key Houston-area races
• Fort Bend County judge Democratic primary runoff
• Harris County judge Republican, Democratic primary runoff
• Republican runoff in Texas' 9th Congressional District
• Democratic runoff in Texas' 18th Congressional District
• Republican runoff in Texas' 38th Congressional District

5:15 p.m. - Statement From Dexter McCoy on Voting Disruptions in Fort Bend County

"Today, the Dexter McCoy for Fort Bend County Judge Campaign issued a statement urging voters to continue turning out to cast their ballot despite technical disruptions in the county’s system.

We are aware of ongoing issues affecting voting across Fort Bend County and the County Elections Administration is working to resolve them as quickly as possible," said Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. "Right now the most important message our community needs to have is this: If you are legally registered to vote you should not let these issues get in the way. Go to your nearest voting location and cast your ballot, even if it needs to be a provisional ballot.

Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard, and no voter should walk away believing their vote does not matter. Fort Bend County is stronger when people participate, and I want voters to know this: your vote is your voice, and your voice still matters. Do not give up. Stay in line, ask questions if you need help, and make sure your ballot is cast."

5 p.m. - Fort Bend County Democratic Party releases statement regarding Fort Bend County poll book issue

The Fort Bend County Democratic Party has released a statement regarding the county-wide outage that has occurred in Fort Bend County:

"The Party is aware that voting machines are currently being updated, and efforts are underway to extend polling hours accordingly. However, it is important to note that during the March Primary Election, when a similar situation occurred in Dallas County, the Texas Supereme Court ruled that ballots cast after 7 p.m. were ineligible to be counted. 

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, we strongly encourage voters to request a provisional ballot to ensure their vote is documented."

4:45 p.m. - Fort Bend County Elections Administrator talks polling book outage with FOX 26

Chase Wilson, Election Administrator for Fort Bend County, gave some additional information on the county-wide poll book issue that is still occurring in Fort Bend County. 

According to Wilson, it's very normal to periodically update the poll book while voting is going on to update voter registration and things like that. However, when the update was being performed, there was an error and so the wrong file was chosen. 

Wilson tells FOX 26, it's a very simple mistake that has caused a massive issue, disabling all of the poll books across Fort Bend County and voters were unable to check in. 

Wilson stated they are working on getting a solution out right now. He said it's been flowing and he said for the last hour some voters have been able to check in normally while others are having to use provisional ballots. 

Wilson further stated this is simply a delay, there is no risk of the integrity of the election or the vote. 

Wilson added because this is a partisan election, they are working with party chairs on whether they can extend election day hours. 

4:10 p.m. - Menefee campaign calling for Fort Bend County to extend poll hours

FOX 26 just received the following statement from the Menefee campaign: 

"The Menefee campaign is aware of reports that voting machines in Fort Bend County have been down since at least 3:15 p.m. today, with no clear timeline for when they will be restored. Fort Bend County officials have confirmed the outages.

"To every voter in Fort Bend County: please still go vote. Officials are working to fix this as quickly as possible. In the meantime, eligible voters may cast a provisional ballot. Your vote matters, and we want you to cast it," said Congressman Christian Menefee.

"Fort Bend County officials must do what is necessary to extend poll hours tonight. Voters should not lose a single minute of their right to vote because of a technical failure outside of their control. The right to vote is too important to shortchange anyone," Menefee continued.

The Menefee campaign is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates to the public as they are available."

3:45 p.m. Fort Bend County voting booth issued

Fort Bend County is experiencing a county-wide issue with their poll book. 

According to the election administrator, the check-in poll book wasn't working. There was a bad file uploaded and it temporarily suspended the operations..

They are working on a solution to the issue.

At this time, some people can still check in and others can vote provisionally.

1 p.m. Polls close in 6 hours

The polls close for voting in the Texas primary run off at 7 p.m. You have six more hours to go to your nearest voting location to vote.

If you want to view what's on your ballot before you head out, click here.

10 a.m. No polling issues

As of 10 a.m., there have been no updates or problems reported in any polls. Several social media posts from voters claim they were able to vote quickly.

9 a.m. Warm forecast for voting

Election Day stays warm and muggy across Southeast Texas with highs near 90. Most of the day should be manageable, but isolated showers and storms will be possible, especially later in the day and into the evening.

7 a.m. Polls are open

Polls are now open across the Houston-area until 7 p.m.

If you need to find voting locations in your county, click here.

Austin County election day polling locations

Brazoria County election day polling locations

Chambers County election day polling locations

Colorado County election day polling locations

Fort Bend County election day polling locations

Grimes County election day polling locations

Galveston County election day polling locations

Harris County election day polling locations

Jackson County election day polling locations then click on "Polling Locations".

Liberty County election day polling locations 

Matagorda County election day polling locations

Montgomery County election day polling locations

Polk County election day polling locations

San Jacinto County election day polling locations

Walker County election day polling locations 

Waller County election day polling locations

Washington County election day polling locations

Wharton County election day polling locations

6 a.m.: What's on your ballot?

The Democratic and Republican primary runoff elections are today. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click the links below to find your sample ballot and see who you will be voting for.

• Key races to watch in Houston
• Southeast Texas sample ballots by county
• Harris County sample ballots
• Fort Bend County sample ballots
• Montgomery County sample ballots

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