2018 Texas elections
Elections were held inTexas on November 6, 2018. All of Texas's executive officers were up for election as well as aUnited States Senate seat, and all of Texas's 36 seats in theUnited States House of Representatives . The Republican and Democratic Parties nominated their candidates by primaries held on March 6, 2018. Convention parties nominated their candidates at a series of conventions. County conventions were held on March 17, 2018; district conventions were held on March 24, 2018; and a state convention was held on April 14, 2018.[ 1] [ 2]
Turnout in the November general election reached historic levels, rivaling turnout in a presidential election.[ 3] Republican Party won every statewide position, the margin of victory was narrower than in previous elections.[ 4] [ 5] [ 6]
United States Senate [ edit ] Democratic U.S. RepresentativeBeto O'Rourke and Libertarian candidate Neal Dikeman challenged U.S. SenatorTed Cruz for re-election. Cruz narrowly defeated O'Rourke by 2.6%.
United States House of Representatives [ edit ] All of Texas's 36 seats in theUnited States House of Representatives were up for election in 2018.[ 7]
Incumbent governorGreg Abbott ran for a second term. He was first electedin 2014 after serving twelve years asTexas Attorney General , and he succeededRick Perry as governor.
Abbott won the March 20, 2018, Republican primary, whileLupe Valdez won the Democratic runoff against Andrew White, becoming the first Latina nominated by a major party for statewide office in Texas.
Libertarian Mark Tippetts also ran against Abbott. Tippetts defeated Kathie Glass, Patrick "Not Governor" Smith, and Kory Watkins at the party convention to earn his nomination.[ 8]
Lieutenant governor [ edit ] Incumbent Lieutenant governor Dan Patrick ran for a second term, having first been elected in 2014.
In the Republican primary, Patrick easily dispatched his primary challengers for the Republican nomination.
In the Democratic primary, Mike Collier narrowly defeated Michael Cooper for the Democratic nomination.
Patrick would go on to win a second term in the general election, but by a significantly reduced margin from his first run. His margin was likely pulled down due to the national environment favoring Democrats while President Trump was in office and a strong candidacy by Democrat Beto O'Rourke at the top of the ticket against Senator Ted Cruz.[ 9]
Comptroller of Public Accounts [ edit ] Incumbent Republicancomptroller Glenn Hegar ran for re-election to a second term.[ 7]
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Glenn Hegar (incumbent) 1,271,222 100.0% Total votes 1,271,222 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Joi Chevalier 486,702 51.87% Democratic Tim Mahoney 451,687 48.13% Total votes 938,389 100.0%
Libertarian state convention [ edit ] 2018 Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Glenn Hegar (incumbent) 4,376,828 53.19% −5.19% Democratic Joi Chevalier 3,570,693 43.39% +5.70% Libertarian Ben Sanders 281,081 3.42% +0.46% Total votes 8,228,602 100.00% Republican hold
Commissioner of the General Land Office [ edit ] 2018 Texas Land Commissioner election County resultsBush: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90%Suazo: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican George P. Bush (incumbent) 856,512 58.22% Republican Jerry Patterson 439,602 29.67% Republican Davey Edwards 101,359 6.84% Republican Rick Range 78,124 5.27% Total votes 1,481,597 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Miguel Suazo 665,344 70.15% Democratic Tex Morgan 283,096 29.85% Total votes 948,440 100.0%
Libertarian state convention [ edit ] George P. Bush
Presidents of the United States
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin George P. Miguel Matt Other Undecided Dixie Strategies [ 25] September 6–7, 2018 519 ± 4.3% 46% 30% 3% – 22%
2018 Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican George P. Bush (incumbent) 4,435,202 53.68% −7.00% Democratic Miguel Suazo 3,567,927 43.19% +7.87% Libertarian Matt Piña 258,482 3.13% +0.42% Total votes 8,261,611 100.0% Republican hold
Commissioner of Agriculture [ edit ] 2018 Texas Agriculture Commissioner election County resultsMiller: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90%Olson: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Incumbent RepublicanCommissioner Sid Miller ran for re-election to a second term.[ 7]
Trey Blocker, lobbyist[ 26] Jim Hogan, Democratic nominee for Agriculture Commissioner in 2014[ 27] Sid Miller , incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture[ 28] [ 29] Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Sid Miller (incumbent) 755,498 55.65% Republican Jim Hogan 310,431 22.87% Republican Trey Blocker 291,583 21.48% Total votes 1,357,512 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Kim Olson 883,575 100.0% Total votes 883,575 100.0%
Libertarian state convention [ edit ] 2018 Texas Commissioner of Agriculture election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Sid Miller (incumbent) 4,221,527 51.26% −7.34% Democratic Kim Olson 3,822,137 46.41% +9.57% Libertarian Richard Carpenter 191,639 2.33% −0.55% Total votes 8,235,303 100.0% Republican hold
Railroad Commissioner [ edit ] 2018 Texas Railroad Commissioner election County resultsCraddick: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90%McAllen: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Incumbent RepublicanCommissioner Christi Craddick ran for re-election to a second six-year term.[ 7]
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Christi Craddick (incumbent) 1,042,663 75.83% Republican Weston Martinez 332,374 24.17% Total votes 1,375,007 100.0%
Roman McAllen, historic preservation officer[ 32] Chris Spellmon, businessman[ 33] Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Roman McAllen 539,785 58.51% Democratic Chris Spellmon 382,795 41.49% Total votes 922,580 100.0%
Libertarian state convention [ edit ] 2018 Texas Railroad Commissioner election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Christi Craddick (incumbent) 4,376,729 53.20% −5.14% Democratic Roman McAllen 3,612,130 43.91% +7.43% Libertarian Mike Wright 237,984 2.89% −0.26% Total votes 8,226,843 100.0% Republican hold
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 2 election
Incumbent Justice Jimmy Blacklock ran for a full term after being appointed by GovernorGreg Abbott on January 2, 2018. Justice Blacklock filled the vacant seat left byDon Willett due to his appointment by PresidentDonald Trump to theU.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals .
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jimmy Blacklock (incumbent) 1,215,844 100.0% Total votes 1,215,844 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Steven Kirkland 875,297 100.0% Total votes 875,297 100.0%
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 2 election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Jimmy Blacklock (incumbent) 4,358,756 53.17% N/A Democratic Steven Kirkland 3,838,411 46.83% N/A Total votes 8,197,167 100.0% Republican hold
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 4 election
Incumbent Justice John Devine ran for re-election to a second six-year term.
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican John Devine (incumbent) 1,211,769 100.0% Total votes 1,211,769 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic R.K. Sandill 863,593 100.0% Total votes 863,593 100.0%
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 4 election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican John Devine (incumbent) 4,399,890 53.71% −21.35% Democratic R.K. Sandill 3,792,144 46.29% N/A Total votes 8,192,034 100.0% Republican hold
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 6 election
Incumbent Justice Jeff Brown ran for a full eight-year term after being elected to finish Chief JusticeNathan Hecht 's term in 2014.
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jeff Brown (incumbent) 1,197,450 100.0% Total votes 1,197,450 100.0%
Kathy Cheng, business litigator[ 38] Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Kathy Cheng 874,029 100.0% Total votes 874,029 100.0%
2018 Texas Supreme Court Place 6 election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Jeff Brown (incumbent) 4,404,602 53.71% −0.01% Democratic Kathy Cheng 3,796,001 46.29% +4.38% Total votes 8,200,603 100.0% Republican hold
Court of Criminal Appeals [ edit ] 2018 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge election
Incumbent presiding judge Sharon Keller ran for re-election to a 5th six-year term.
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Sharon Keller (incumbent) 674,889 52.16% Republican David Bridges 618,982 47.84% Total votes 1,293,871 100.0%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Maria T. (Terri) Jackson 878,581 100.0% Total votes 878,581 100.0%
2018 Texas Criminal Court of Appeals Presiding Judge election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Sharon Keller (incumbent) 4,288,913 52.24% −3.25% Democratic Maria T. (Terri) Jackson 3,734,179 45.48% +4.24% Libertarian William Bryan Strange III 187,384 2.28% −0.98% Total votes 8,210,476 100.0% Republican hold
2018 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 election
Incumbent Judge Barbara Hervey ran for re-election to a 4th six-year term.
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Barbara Parker Hervey (incumbent) 1,171,978 100.0% Total votes 1,171,978 100.0%
Ramona Franklin, judge of theHarris County District Court (338th District) Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Ramona Franklin 872,150 100.0% Total votes 872,150 100.0%
2018 Texas Criminal Court of Appeals Place 7 election Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Barbara Parker Hervey (incumbent) 4,429,113 54.15% −23.73% Democratic Ramona Franklin 3,750,114 45.85% N/A Total votes 8,179,227 100.0% Republican hold
2018 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 election
Incumbent JudgeElsa Alcala did not seek re-election to a second term.[ 42]
Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Michelle Slaughter 669,949 52.84% Republican Jay Brandon 389,753 30.74% Republican Dib Waldrip 208,179 16.42% Total votes 1,267,881 100.0%
2018 Texas Criminal Court of Appeals Place 8 election[ 15] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Michelle Slaughter 4,760,576 74.68% −3.38% Libertarian Mark Ash 1,614,119 25.32% +3.38% Total votes 6,374,695 100.0% Republican hold
State Board of Education [ edit ] Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Charles "Tad" Hasse 31,717 67.12% Republican Eric Garza 15,536 32.87% Total votes 47,253 100% +47,253
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Ruben Cortez, Jr. (incumbent) 31,289 52.34% −47.66% Democratic Michelle Arevalo Davila 28,487 47.65% Total votes 59,776 100% +15,817
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Ruben Cortez, Jr. (incumbent) 206,689 53.60% Republican Charles "Tad" Hasse 178,923 46.40% Total votes 385,612 100%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Marisa B. Perez-Diaz (incumbent) 60,027 75.93% −24.07% Democratic Dan Arellano 19,022 24.06% Total votes 79,049 100% +33,721
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Marisa B. Perez-Diaz (incumbent) 302,242 100% Total votes 302,242 100%
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Lawrence Allen Jr. (incumbent) 311,590 100% Total votes 311,590 100%
Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Matt Robinson 100% Total votes 100%
Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Elizabeth Markowitz 100% Total votes 100%
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Matt Robinson 369,752 59.45% Democratic Elizabeth Markowitz 252,158 40.55% Total votes 621,910 100%
[ edit ] Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican Patricia "Pat" Hardy (incumbent) 58,796 55.75% +6.18% Republican Feyi Obamehinti 25,580 24.25% Republican Cheryl Surber 21,073 19.98% Total votes 105,449 100% +18,482
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Carla Morton 33,217 57.89% Democratic Celeste Light 24,156 42.1% Total votes 57,373 100% +34,520
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Patricia "Pat" Hardy (incumbent) 366,245 57.16% Democratic Carla Morton 259,276 40.46% Libertarian Aaron Gutknecht 15,241 2.38% Total votes 640,762 100%
[ edit ] Republican primary results[ 10] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Pam Little 82,548 100% Total votes 82,548 100%
Democratic primary results[ 13] Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Suzanne Smith 35,460 48.06% Democratic Laura Malone-Miller 19,426 26.33% Democratic Tina Green 18,883 25.59% Total votes 73,769 100% +6,404
Malone-Miller withdrew after the first round, eliminating the need for a runoff.
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Pam Little 334,584 49.43% Democratic Suzanne Smith 324,307 47.91% Libertarian Rachel Wester 18,002 2.66% Total votes 676,893 100%
[ edit ] Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % ±% Republican A. Denise Russell 100% Total votes 100%
Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % ±% Democratic Aicha Davis 100% Total votes 100%
General election results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Aicha Davis 309,926 76.32% Republican A. Denise Russell 96,136 23.68% Total votes 406,062 100%
Every seat in theTexas House of Representatives and about half of the seats in theTexas Senate were up for election.
Senate districts and results Republican hold
Democratic gold
Republican gain
Democratic gain
Texas House of Representatives [ edit ] House districts and results Republican hold
Democratic hold
Democratic gain
^ "Important Dates for the Party Conventions, Primary Elections and General Election" .www.sos.state.tx.us .^ "Nominee of Libertarian or Green Party in 2018" .www.sos.state.tx.us . Archived fromthe original on December 14, 2017. RetrievedDecember 14, 2017 .^ Wang, Elbert (November 7, 2017)."Look up Texas midterm turnout in your county against historic numbers" .The Texas Tribune . RetrievedNovember 7, 2017 . ^ Platoff, Emma (November 7, 2017)."Texas Democrats were aiming for historic wins in 2018. What they got instead was hope for 2020" .The Texas Tribune . RetrievedNovember 7, 2017 . ^ Zdun, Matt; Collier, Kiah (November 7, 2017)."Gov. Greg Abbott clinches second term as GOP wins closest statewide races in 20 years" .The Texas Tribune . RetrievedNovember 7, 2017 . ^ Platoff, Emma (November 7, 2017)."Four top takeaways from the 2018 Texas midterm elections" .The Texas Tribune . RetrievedNovember 7, 2017 . ^a b c d Executive Branch Archived 2011-06-29 at theWayback Machine retrieved 23-October-2008^ "Texas Libertarians nominate Mark Tippetts for governor | Libertarian Party" .Libertarian Party . April 18, 2018. RetrievedNovember 11, 2018 .^ Platoff, By Emma (November 7, 2018)."Texas Democrats were aiming for historic wins in 2018. What they got instead was hope for 2020" .The Texas Tribune . RetrievedJune 23, 2025 . ^a b c d e f g h i j k l m "2018 Republican Party Primary Election - Race Summary Report" .Office of Texas Secretary of State .^ "Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and Democratic challenger Joi Chevalier on why they deserve your vote" .The Texas Tribune . October 25, 2018. RetrievedNovember 11, 2018 .^ "For comptroller: Joi Chevalier" .The Houston Chronicle ^a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "2018 Democratic Party Primary Election - Race Summary Report" .Office of Texas Secretary of State .^ vote4sanders.com ^a b c d e f g h i "2018 General Election - Race Summary Report" .Office of Texas Secretary of State .^ Weissert, Will (June 19, 2017)."George P Bush seeks re-election as Texas land commissioner" .The Washington Post the original on June 19, 2017. RetrievedJune 19, 2017 . ^ Tribe, Kristen (March 29, 2017)."Edwards pursues state office" .Wise County Messenger . RetrievedJune 21, 2017 . ^ Tribe, Kristen (June 4, 2017)."Edwards starts signature drive for place on ballot" .Wise County Messenger . RetrievedJune 21, 2017 . ^ "Trump Endorses Top Texas Republicans" .www.governing.com . February 28, 2018.^ "Profile: Rick Range, Republican for Texas Land Commissioner" .The Amarillo Pioneer . RetrievedNovember 11, 2018 .^a b "For land commissioner: Miguel Suazo" .The Houston Chronicle ^a b c "2018 Candidates" .lptexas.org . Archived fromthe original on December 22, 2017. RetrievedDecember 20, 2017 .^ "George Bush on Twitter" .^ "Donald J. Trump on Twitter" .^ Dixie Strategies ^ "Austin Lobbyist to Challenge Sid Miller" .The Amarillo Pioneer . RetrievedDecember 4, 2017 .^ "We recommend Trey Blocker in the GOP primary for Texas Agriculture Commissioner" .The Dallas Morning News ^ "Sid Miller Announces Re-election Campaign for Texas Agriculture Commissioner" .Texas Insider . November 13, 2017. Archived fromthe original on December 1, 2017. RetrievedNovember 20, 2017 .^ "Sid Miller announces reelection bid" .Dallas Voice . November 8, 2017. Archived fromthe original on December 1, 2017. RetrievedNovember 20, 2017 .^ Coyne, Christin (May 19, 2017)."Former WISD trustee Olson seeks office" .Weatherford Democrat . RetrievedJune 21, 2017 . ^a b Schwartz, Jeremy (March 6, 2018)."Christi Craddick wins railroad primary, will face Roman McAllen" .Austin American-Statesman ^ Heinkel-Wolfe, Peggy (July 5, 2017)."McAllen announces run for Texas Railroad Commission" .Denton Record-Chronicle . RetrievedJuly 18, 2017 . [permanent dead link ^ "For railroad commissioner: Roman McAllen" .The Houston Chronicle ^ Platoff, Emma (February 13, 2018)."He's been a Texas Supreme Court justice for a month. Now Jimmy Blacklock must become a candidate" .The Texas Tribune ^ Sanchez, Sam (August 16, 2018)."A Houston Judge Could be Elected First Gay Justice on Texas Supreme Court" .Out in SA . ^ "We recommend John Devine for Texas Supreme Court, Place 4" .The Dallas Morning News ^ "For Supreme Court, Place 4: R.K. Sandill" .Houston Chronicle ^a b "For Supreme Court, Place 6: Jeff Brown" .Houston Chronicle ^ Platoff, Emma (November 9, 2017)."In race against Texas judge Sharon Keller, Republican highlighting infamous death row call" .The Texas Tribune ^ "We recommend Maria Jackson for presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals" .The Dallas Morning News ^ "For Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7: Barbara Parker Hervey" .Houston Chronicle ^ "Judge Alcala Won't Seek Re-Election" .The Austin Chronicle . January 6, 2017. RetrievedJanuary 2, 2019 .^a b c McCullough, Jolie (February 28, 2018)."Three Republicans vie for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals seat, replacing death penalty critic" .The Texas Tribune Official Lieutenant Governor campaign websites
Official Attorney General campaign websites
Official Comptroller of Public Accounts campaign websites
Official Commissioner of the General Land Office campaign websites
Official Commissioner of Agriculture campaign websites
Official Railroad Commissioner campaign websites
Official Supreme Court of Texas, Place 2 campaign websites
Official Supreme Court of Texas, Place 4 campaign websites
Official Supreme Court of Texas, Place 6 campaign websites
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