Everything Voters Need to Know About the May 26 Runoff Election

Texas voters already cast ballots in the March 2026 primaries, but for many people in San Antonio and across Bexar County, election season isn’t over yet.

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Texas’s election law states that primaries are majority‑vote elections; if no one wins a majority, a runoff is required. This is why several key races are headed to a May 26 runoff, so voters will return to the polls to decide who will officially represent each party in the November 2026 general election.

Unlike the November election, these runoffs are still party elections. Voters aren’t choosing between Democrats and Republicans yet. Instead, they’re deciding which candidate from within a party will move forward to the general election.

In practical terms, the May runoff functions as the final round of the primary process.

For many voters, the process can feel confusing, especially because runoff elections tend to receive far less attention than March primaries or November general elections. But these races often determine who ultimately holds power in Congress, the Texas Legislature, and county government.

Who Can Vote in the Runoff?

Eligibility for the runoff depends partly on whether voters participated in March.

Voters who participated in the Democratic primary can vote only in the Democratic runoff. Likewise, voters who cast ballots in the Republican primary are restricted to Republican runoff elections.

People who skipped the March primary entirely can still participate in a runoff and choose either party’s ballot when they vote.

Because runoff turnout is typically much lower than turnout during general elections, these races are often decided by a relatively small group of highly engaged voters. That makes local participation especially important. 

Why Runoff Elections Matter More Than Many People Realize

Runoff elections can carry major political consequences. In districts that strongly lean toward one party, the runoff winner may effectively become the favorite to win in November. In some cases, the primary runoff can be more competitive and influential than the general election itself.

That’s especially true in parts of Texas where district maps and voter demographics heavily favor one party over the other.

The May runoff also plays a major role in shaping local political leadership. County officials, state lawmakers, and congressional representatives directly influence issues such as housing, education funding, criminal justice policy, healthcare access, infrastructure spending, and public transportation.

For voters in San Antonio, the runoff ballot may include races that affect both local governance and statewide policy decisions for years to come, so it’s essential to participate.

What Will Be on the Ballot?

Not every voter will see the same runoff races because ballots vary depending on where voters live and which districts they belong to. That’s why some San Antonio voters may see congressional runoff races, while others may only see county-level contests.

Local voter guides by organizations such as the San Antonio Report and Plan Your Vote SA provide all the information needed about the races, candidate backgrounds, and office responsibilities to understand what’s at stake.

What Happens Next?

On Election Day, Bexar County voters will once again cast ballots at countywide vote centers. A little preparation can make Election Day smoother:

• Plan out where and when to vote. Bexar County uses countywide vote centers, and voters can choose the location that best fits their routine. Check the list of locations and hours in advance, and decide what time to vote. 

• Bring an acceptable photo ID. Texas requires one of seven approved forms of ID: a Texas driver’s license, personal ID card, a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC), handgun license, U.S. passport, military ID with photo, or citizenship certificate with photo. Voters can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present a supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or voter registration certificate, if they don’t have any of these identifications.

• Preview the exact ballot. Tools from local outlets and nonprofits, such as The Texas Tribune, let voters generate a personalized May 26 sample ballot based on their address to see only the races in their area.

• Bring paper notes, not a phone. Texas polling places don’t allow phones or tablets in the booth, but people can bring paper notes or a printed sample ballot to help remember their choices.

By taking a few minutes to plan, understand the ballot, and show up on May 26, voters will have a say in decisions that will outlast this election season.