2026 Texas gubernatorial election
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The 2026 Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election to an unprecedented fourth term.[1] If Abbott were to be successful and finish out a fourth full term, he would become the state's longest-serving governor with 16 years on January 21, 2031, surpassing the 14 years of his predecessor, Rick Perry. He would also tie with former South Dakota governor Bill Janklow as the fifth longest-serving governor in United States history at 5,845 days served.
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Greg Abbott, incumbent governor (2015–present)[1]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Christian Menefee, Harris County Attorney[2]
- James Talarico, state representative from the 50th district[2]
Independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declined
[edit]- Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award-winning actor[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Watkins, Matthew (March 1, 2024). "Donald Trump says Greg Abbott is 'absolutely' on vice president short list". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
- ^ a b McKinley, Edward (August 28, 2024). "Texas Dem insiders list candidates to watch". Houston Chronicle.
- ^ Jones, Cristela (November 18, 2024). "Matthew McConaughey says he won't be running for Texas governor". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved November 29, 2024.