Harris County voters decide Texas Senate, House seats amid tight national race

Polls in Harris County opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and will remain open until 7 p.m. local time, according to Ballotpedia. Voters in Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, and Baytown are casting ballots for every U.S. House seat in the state, the U.S. Senate, the governor's office, and various state and local offices. The Texas state election office and vote.gov provide tools for residents to locate their specific polling places, and those in line when polls close are entitled to cast a vote. ID rules vary by state, so voters are advised to check specific requirements before arriving at the polls.

The state's ballot is particularly high-stakes this year. The U.S. Senate seat is an open contest with no incumbent running, featuring candidates from the Democratic, Republican, Independent, and Libertarian parties. Ballotpedia notes that the race is being watched closely, with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who received President Donald Trump's endorsement over former Senator John Cornyn in the primary, facing Democrat James Talarico. Additionally, incumbent Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election, competing against candidates from the same four parties. Every U.S. House district in Texas is also up for election, with the new congressional maps playing a significant role in the outcomes.

Texas is one of seven states using new congressional maps after mid-decade redistricting, a change that is central to the national narrative. According to Ballotpedia, the other states using new maps are California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio. These new boundaries are influencing how candidates campaign and how voters perceive the competitiveness of their specific districts. In Harris County, the local elections include races for the state legislature, school boards, and municipal government, alongside statewide measures that vary by county. The combination of federal, state, and local races makes this a comprehensive voting day for the county.

Nationally, all 435 U.S. House seats are up for grabs, with Republicans currently holding 218 seats and Democrats holding 214, according to the Associated Press. The current margin is three seats, meaning Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can lose no more than two. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. The Associated Press reports that 60 House incumbents are not running again, with 37 Republicans and 23 Democrats stepping aside, which opens up significant opportunities for challengers in these swing districts.

The mood among voters is described by the Associated Press as a referendum on President Trump's second term, with many citizens expressing frustration over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. AP-NORC polling indicates that 35% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25% approve of his economic handling. Approximately seven in 10 respondents say the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted by Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high early turnout suggests a strong engagement from both parties as they brace for a tight final count.

The Associated Press notes that Republicans were bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to retain the Senate. One or two seats could tip the balance in either chamber, according to the AP. Democrats have been described as cautiously optimistic, with DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene stating that the American people are angry and want change. In contrast, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized that everything depends on turnout, noting that if Republicans can mobilize their voters, they can win. The AP also highlights that Trump held dozens of rallies, ending his schedule in Salina, Kansas, where he urged voters to pretend he was on the ballot.

The financial aspect of the 2026 election is also notable, as it is likely to be the most expensive in history. According to an AP analysis of AdImpact data, Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and support from Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more. This spending strategy reflects the parties' focus on defending their respective strongholds while attempting to flip key districts.

In Harris County, voters are also deciding who will represent them in the Texas House of Representatives and the State Senate. The state facts from Ballotpedia confirm that elections are being held for other state executive offices, the state supreme court, and intermediate appellate courts. Local ballot measures are also on the ballot, varying by county. The diversity of offices on the ballot means that a single trip to the polling place in towns like Pasadena or Baytown will determine the composition of both local and state governments for the next two to four years.

The Associated Press reports that if Democrats win even one chamber of Congress, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker if Democrats take the House, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic performance could also boost potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while complicating the path for Vice President JD Vance. Republicans have tried to counter the traditional midterm pattern of the president's party losing seats through redistricting, but the new maps may not vote as drawn.