THE INTERIM IS CRITICAL The field is now set for the 2026 General Election, and it is shaping up to be a heavyweight contest. Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the marquee race is for U.S. Senate, where Texans will choose between current Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and current Democratic State Representative James Talarico — both emerging from bruising, expensive primaries. More than $130 million has already been spent, and between continued fundraising and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision expanding corporate contributions, the general election is likely to greatly exceed that figure. Expect the airwaves to be saturated by fall. This election is expected to be close and will likely impact down-ballot races. Most statewide Republican officeholders are also contested on the ballot, including our governor and lieutenant governor. The Texas Senate will seat at least five new members, and the Texas House will welcome at least 24. Nationally, Republicans face historic headwinds: From 1946 to 2024, there have been 20 off-year elections, and the White House party lost House seats in 18 (90%) of them. In every instance where the sitting president’s approval rating was underwater in the months before an off-year election, his party lost House seats. Whether that pattern holds — or whether President Trump breaks it — remains to be seen. On the state level, it’s worth remembering that Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, but this may be the year. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Work Begins Now By DARREN WHITEHURST President, TADA DEALERS’ CHOICE 6
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