The 2026 midterm elections officially begin on Tuesday with primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas. The Lone Star State will host the most closely-watched contests. Republicans begin their battle to retain majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Tuesday’s must-watch primaries: The races that will determine if America First takes over in 2026 https://t.co/FW8h7Qtyq2 pic.twitter.com/RFNV3CEG6j — TheBlaze (@theblaze) March 3, 2026 The Blaze explained further: The highest-profile race Tuesday is arguably the Senate primary matchup between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Rep. Wesley Hunt, and several other Republican candidates. It is the most costly Senate primary race in history, with over $122 million spent. Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002, accounts for over 57% of total spending, with $69 million in ad buying by his campaign and outside groups. Total ad buy in support of Hunt is $12 million; for Paxton, $4.1 million. Paxton has accused Cornyn of betraying Trump and the America First movement. “I’m running to beat Fake Republican John Cornyn. The race is a DEAD HEAT,” Paxton said on Monday as part of an effort to encourage his conservative supporters to contribute to his campaign. Cornyn warned Texans not to vote for Paxton. “Ken Paxton will be the kiss of death for Republicans on the ticket in November of 2026,” Cornyn said in February. “I think the attorney general, if he’s the nominee, could very well lose the seat,” he continued. “But if he doesn’t lose the seat, he’s not going to win except by the hair of his chin. And unfortunately, that will not help the down-ballot races.” President Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidates in the Texas Senate GOP primary race. “I just haven’t made a decision on that race yet,” Trump told reporters in February. “I like all three of them,” Trump said, referring to Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt. “Actually, I like all three. Those are the toughest races. They’ve all supported me. They’re all good, and you’re supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens.” Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and state Rep. James Talarico will battle for the Democratic primary. “If you haven’t voted yet, today is the day for you! I’m at the top of your ballot and asking for your support to continue our fight for affordability and accountability! I’m on the move all day because this fight is bigger than one stop, one speech, or one person. I’d love to see you pull up and meet me and my friends at the polls!” Crockett said. TEXAS – IT’S ELECTION DAY If you haven’t voted yet, today is the day for you! I’m at the top of your ballot and asking for your support to continue our fight for affordability and accountability! I’m on the move all day because this fight is bigger than one stop, one… pic.twitter.com/PPPflAmkNj — Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) March 3, 2026 “I’m already outperforming Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico in the general election. The data has been consistent for months. I’ve lived a clean life. I’ve served this country in combat. I’ve worn the uniform. I’ve taken the oath. Texans know who I am,” Hunt said. “I bleed Texas. I’ve fought for this country. And I will gladly debate either one of them, anywhere, anytime. Candidate Quality matters. That’s why I’m here,” he added. I’m already outperforming Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico in the general election. The data has been consistent for months. I’ve lived a clean life.I’ve served this country in combat.I’ve worn the uniform.I’ve taken the oath. Texans know who I am. I bleed Texas. I’ve… pic.twitter.com/LOUaWlM4x5 — Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) February 24, 2026 More from the Associated Press: All eyes are on Texas, where the Senate primary has provided a split screen view of the options. On one side is Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has made a name for herself for going toe-to-toe with Republicans. One of her advertisements boasts that she “drives the president crazy.” Another has the tagline “Crockett fights for us.” In this political playbook, division is fuel, motivating Democrats who feel their party has been too timid. On the other side is state Rep. James Talarico, a former middle school teacher who is working toward a divinity degree. He denounces “politics as a blood sport” and says people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.” Democrats have been trying to turn Texas from red to purple for years, without any luck. Some think they may have a shot this year as Trump becomes increasingly unpopular. The only question is, who will they think is the right candidate for the job? It is not just a willingness to fight that is a dividing line among Democrats. Some say it is time for fresh faces. Rep. Christian Menefee, 37, is facing off against Rep. Al Green, 78, in Texas. They are running against each other because, when the state redrew its maps, it combined parts of their two districts. So now Menefee, who is only a few weeks into his first term after winning a special election, is trying to dislodge Green, who is serving his 11th term. Protect Progress, a crypto super political action committee, is running advertisements saying “Democrats used to be the party of the future” and that it is time to “pass the torch” to Menefee. Watch additional coverage below: