This year, many voters across the state will have the chance to elect a State Senator and/or a State House Representative. State senators and representatives make decisions that impact our daily lives.

The Texas State Senate is the upper chamber of the Texas State Legislature. Alongside the Texas House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Texas state government and works with the governor of Texas to enact laws and set the state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Texas State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. A total of 16 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate are up for election in 2026.

The Texas House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Texas State Legislature. Alongside the Texas State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Texas state government and works alongside the governor of Texas to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Texas House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. All 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives are up for election in 2026.

Here are some key races that we are watching. To learn more about what they think about jobs, reproductive justice, and gender equity.