AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Texas state primaries

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two hotly contested U.S. Senate primaries in Texas will help officially kick off the 2026 midterm election cycle Tuesday, when voters in three states will pick nominees to compete in the November general election.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats face a tough path to retaking the chamber in 2026, but they hope the right combination of primary outcomes in Texas will help put the state in play in a midterm year when the president’s party typically loses seats in Congress.