Texas’ 19th Congressional District, which represents the city of Lubbock and surrounding counties, is up for election. A new congressman will be elected as former Rep. Jodie Arrington, R-Texas, announced in a retirement video that he will not seek reelection for his 19th District seat on Nov. 11.

Voter turnout and choices now can shape state and national political balance.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott leads Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon in the Texas gubernatorial race, according to a new University of Houston poll. Newsweek has reached out to press teams for Abbott, Hinojosa and Dixon for comment via email on Wednesday.

Read Gina Hinojosa's Democratic candidate questionnaire for the Texas Governor race.

Hinojosa, 52, is a child of Texas politics. Her father, Gilberto Hinojosa, is a legendary Democrat who led the state party. Her own start in politics was on the Austin ISD school board, and much of her policy focus remains on public education.

Public education, health care, housing costs. Gina Hinojosa is the best hope for a pragmatic Texas leader, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.

Gov. Greg Abbott was endorsed by Texas Teamsters, a labor union that has historically supported Democrats. Other large unions still back his Democratic opponent.

Patrick has raised more than $9 million and is endorsed by President Donald Trump. As a campaigner and as a legislator, he is a formidable force. We’d like to see him distance from his party’s divisive, far-right wing and focus on issues that stabilize and strengthen Texas.

2026 Texas governor's race