Texas Monthly has been following the key races in the state all year; bookmark this page for the latest coverage, from Eric Benson’s ‘Underdog’ podcast to in-depth analysis by R.G. Ratcliffe and Carlos Sanchez as well as informative updates from Texas Monthly’s best writers.
2018 Texas Elections

Illustration by Bolora Munkhbold

‘Underdog: Beto vs. Cruz’ on the Caravan and the Blue Wave
On the eve of the election, Eric Benson examines the effects of early voting and the possibility of a number of Democratic victories come Tuesday.

Texas Republicans Appear to be Losing the Youth Vote to Democrats
The GOP enjoyed the strong support of young Texans in the 2000s, but that appears to be changing.
‘Betomaniacs’ Crash Into ‘Berniecrats’ Over 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary
Beto O’Rourke came out on top of a poll of progressives, prompting Bernie Sanders supporters to complain.
Legally, Beto O’Rourke Can Run for President and Senate in 2020
Texas law would allow Beto to take a shot at the White House and at Senator John Cornyn at the same time.
Beto O’Rourke Sidesteps Presidential Question, Harshly Criticizes Trump Border Policies
In his first town hall since narrowly losing his election, O'Rourke shows he may not be ready to leave public arena.
Straight Ticket Voting Says Farewell to Texas in a Big Way
Governor Greg Abbott signed a law that gets rid of straight-ticket balloting and this was its last election.
Despite Tight Race With Ted Cruz, Beto O’Rourke Got Fewer Votes Than Least-Popular Statewide Republican
Governor Greg Abbott emerged as the top vote-getter on Election Day.
ACLU: U.S. Border Patrol’s Planned ‘Crowd Control’ Exercise Violated Federal Voting Rights Act
The civil rights group filed a complaint one day after the Border Patrol postponed an Election Day "crowd control" exercise.
Gina Ortiz Jones Refuses to Concede to Will Hurd in Close TX-23 Race
Gina Ortiz Jones said she's not ready to call for a recount in a race that is separated by only hundreds of votes.
Beto O’Rourke Lost the Battle But Won the War
Ted Cruz won the Senate election, but he had no coattails. Some takeaways from election night.
Texas Congressional Delegation Grows More Diverse Amid Several Republican Upsets
An evening that included the unseating of longtime Congressman Pete Sessions saw the historic election of the state's first two Latinas to Congress.
Ted Cruz Wins a Second Term in Closely Fought Race
A spirited campaign by opponent Beto O’Rourke made the race a national obsession.
Greg Abbott Wins a Second Term as Governor
The Republican calls for unity in Texas in his victory speech.
2018 Texas Midterm Elections: The Latest
We updated this post throughout election night to bring you timely news and analysis as results rolled in.
What to Look For in 2018 Midterm Election Results
How to interpret results as they come in—and not hyperventilate in the process.
Border Patrol Postpones Plans To Conduct ‘Crowd Control’ Exercise on Election Day
The decision to postpone the exercise in El Paso, the home of U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, comes amid widespread criticism by members of Congress and civil rights groups.
The Latest Washington Spin on the Ted Cruz-Beto O’Rourke Race Is Just Wrong
Texas voter turnout is the highest in a midterm election precisely because O’Rourke stayed left.
Texas Republicans Appear to be Losing the Youth Vote to Democrats
The GOP enjoyed the strong support of young Texans in the 2000s, but that appears to be changing.
Here’s How Asian American Texans Could Affect the Midterm Election
The fastest-growing minority group in the country had once been loyal to Republicans, but began showing an interest in Democrats.
What Does a Texas Millionaire Do When He Loses Political Races in His State? He Spends in Montana
Midland oilman Tim Dunn is best known for financing Empower Texans, but now he is putting $2.5 million into defeating Montana Democratic U.S. Senator John Tester.
A New Focus on Border Security Comes Days Before Midterm Elections
In addition to deployment of Army troops, border nonprofits are seeing the beginnings of mass family releases.
2018 Texas Elections Coverage
Texas Monthly has been following the key races in the state all year; bookmark this page for the latest coverage, from Eric Benson’s ‘Underdog’ podcast to in-depth analysis by R.G. Ratcliffe and Carlos Sanchez as well as informative updates from Texas Monthly’s best writers.