AUSTIN, Texas — Early voting is underway across Texas ahead of the November 3 general election, with competitive statewide races bringing increased attention to turnout, campaign messaging and issues affecting households across the state.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott is seeking another term against Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, while the US Senate contest is also attracting national attention. The campaigns are taking place against a backdrop of concerns about the cost of living, electricity demand, immigration policy and the growing influence of technology companies.

Nearly 1.5 million Texans cast ballots during the first two days of early voting, according to VoteHub figures reported by CBS Texas on October 21. The Associated Press subsequently reported that Texas had recorded nearly one million early votes in its comparison of states, with participation running 74% above the same point in the 2022 midterm election. The figures reflect different reporting snapshots and methodologies, and should not be treated as a single final turnout total.

Although the early numbers indicate substantial participation, turnout alone does not establish which party is likely to benefit. The result will depend on who votes, how ballots are distributed across districts and how undecided voters ultimately make their choices.

Abbott and Hinojosa Focus on Competing Priorities

Abbott has made border security, public safety, taxes and economic development central themes of his campaign. Hinojosa, a Democratic state representative, has challenged the incumbent on issues including affordability, government accountability and the effects of state policies on working families.

Recent polling has shown a competitive race, with several surveys placing Abbott ahead by a relatively narrow margin and others showing Hinojosa close behind or slightly ahead. A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll conducted in late September and early October, for example, recorded Hinojosa at 49% and Abbott at 48% among likely voters. Other October surveys showed a modest advantage for Abbott.

The differences between polls underline the uncertainty surrounding the contest. Surveys use different sampling methods and field dates, while changes in turnout could influence the final result.

Abbott has urged supporters to vote early and encourage others to participate. Hinojosa has also been campaigning actively, seeking to build support among voters concerned about household expenses and the direction of state government.

The candidates’ contrasting messages reflect broader disagreements over the role of state government, public spending and the policies needed to address Texas’s rapid growth.

Senate Contest Adds to Election Interest

The Senate race is another important part of the election picture. Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are competing for the seat, alongside Libertarian candidate Ted Brown.

Polling released in October has indicated a closely contested race. An Emerson College Polling survey reported support of 48% for Talarico and 46% for Paxton, with 1% supporting Brown and 5% undecided. The results suggest that the contest remains competitive, although a poll represents voter preferences at a particular point in time rather than a prediction of the final result.

The Senate campaign has drawn attention beyond Texas because the outcome will contribute to the balance of power in Washington. Candidates have debated national political leadership, the economy, border policy and the responsibilities of federal government.

High turnout may affect both major races, but its impact will depend on the political preferences and demographic composition of the people casting ballots.

Data Centres Become a Major State Issue

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure has emerged as another prominent topic in Texas politics.

Large data centres require substantial amounts of electricity and, depending on their cooling systems, can place significant demands on water resources. Their expansion has raised questions among residents and local officials about utility bills, infrastructure investment and the environmental effects of new developments.

Abbott announced a series of measures in 2026 intended to examine those concerns. On September 21, he directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt permits sought by data centres until state agencies could complete audits concerning electricity use, water consumption and impacts on local communities.

The governor has also called for data centre developers to cover their electrical infrastructure costs and comply with water-use reporting requirements. He said he would work with lawmakers to eliminate financial incentives for data centres in the next legislative session.

Supporters of tighter oversight argue that large technology projects should not place additional pressure on residential electricity bills or compete with communities for limited water supplies.

Industry advocates, meanwhile, have highlighted the potential economic benefits of data centre investment, including construction activity, technology infrastructure and associated business development.

The debate illustrates how economic development and resource management have become increasingly connected in the state’s election discussions.

Security Concerns Enter the Campaign Conversation

Public safety has also featured in recent political statements following the arrest of a 17-year-old from McKinney who authorities allege was involved in a plot targeting US Representative Keith Self.

Abbott praised law enforcement following the arrest, which was announced on October 22. According to the governor’s office, the teenager was accused of plotting an attack in support of ISIS. The case remains a matter for the federal justice system, and allegations must be distinguished from proven findings.

The incident has prompted renewed attention to security around public officials and campaign events. It has also featured in Abbott’s public messaging about law enforcement and counterterrorism.

The case is separate from the election process, but it has become part of the wider political discussion over public safety and the responsibilities of state and federal authorities.

Turnout and the Final Days of Campaigning

With early voting underway, campaigns are continuing to contact voters and encourage participation before Election Day.

Texas had 19,041,684 registered voters ahead of the November election, according to the secretary of state’s office on October 16. That represents a record number for the state and provides context for the scale of the electorate.

The early voting figures offer an indication of voter engagement, but they do not determine the outcome. The final results will depend on ballots cast across the state, including those submitted on Election Day.

For voters, the election presents a choice between competing approaches to state leadership and national representation, alongside decisions about energy policy, public safety and economic priorities.

As November 3 approaches, turnout data and polling will continue to attract attention. The final count, rather than early participation figures alone, will determine the outcome of Texas’s closely watched races.