The poll, conducted by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, found most rural voters believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, while a majority of Latino voters felt the opposite.

Woke up this morning to find that my James Talarico and Claire Reynolds signs were stolen from my front yard. I guess they made some snowflake very upset.

Flowers I picked for this art: Texas bluebonnet, Indian blanket, Indian paintbrush, Pink evening primrose, winecup flower (Callirhoe involucrata), and White prickly poppy.

Hope you like it!

source: Texas Midterm Elections 2026: Key Races, Candidates and Past Results

The Houston Chronicle has an op-ed from Luke Metzger of Environment Texas arguing that the state shouldn't sell Boca Chica State Park to Elon Musk's SpaceX and instead the state should prioritize preserving our natural wonders. Here's a key quote:

Texas has been here before. In 2023, the loss of Fairfield Lake State Park to private development caused public outrage and helped build support for the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which voters overwhelmingly approved to create and expand state parks. Texans made clear that as the state grows, we need more protected natural places, not fewer.

Space exploration is an extraordinary human achievement, pushing the boundaries of science and expanding our understanding of the universe. But reaching for the stars shouldn't mean sacrificing the natural wonders here on Earth. We can celebrate space exploration while protecting the public lands and wildlife that make Boca Chica special.

Gov. Abbott and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission should state plainly that Boca Chica State Park is not for sale. State parks belong to all Texans, not only those who can afford to buy them.

• One of Texas’s most prominent personal injury lawyers has endorsed state Rep. James Talarico (D) in the Lone Star State’s widely watched Senate race.
• Thomas J. Henry, a fixture of Texas TV ads and billboards, posted a video to the social platform X on Thursday announcing he would support Talarico’s candidacy.

“The reason I’m supporting James is I had the opportunity to meet with him in person for quite a long period of time and go over the issues that affect Texas and affect our country. And I found that James’s approach to these problems that affect Texas and our country, were balanced, straightforward and honest,” Henry said.

• Supporting the Texas Democrat is a pivot for Henry, who spent more than $600,000 backing Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in the GOP primary. Paxton ousted Sen. John Cornyn (R) in a May runoff with President Trump’s backing.

Henry addressed his past support for Paxton in Thursday’s video, saying he thought it was time for a change from career politicians.

There's more in the article.

here is the link to read past the paywall Long lines, glitches, voter registration problems plague Bexar County early voting

Elections are supposed to be about ideas. But that’s not politics today, where ridiculous ads and social media soundbites stand in for actual debate. 

This cycle, Texas voters haven’t seen candidates come together to wrangle over their ideas in the races for governor, U.S. Senate or lieutenant governor. The fact that every Republican for major office hasn’t been willing to put their ideas to the test in one-on-one debates is pathetic.

Hi! We’re the voting rights team at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas. Our organization works with communities to protect and advance civil rights and liberties for every Texan. We're getting with the times and started a Reddit for the 2026 midterm elections.

This weekend — Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25 — is the ONLY WEEKEND Texans have to vote early in this year's midterm elections. You still have until Friday, October 30 to vote early or head to your polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

Below, we’re sharing answers to frequently asked questions about casting a ballot in our state. We have more information at our Election hub at aclutx.org/vote or in Spanish at aclutx.org/vota.

Note: We’re still new at this Reddit thing! This is not an AMA. If you have any urgent questions about voting or issues you've encountered at the polls please call or text the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR VOTE. We are part of a nonpartisan coalition of voting rights experts on call there.

Texans — let's make our voices heard at the polls in the general election!

TEXAS MIDTERMS FAQ

• How do I find my polling location? 

Rules vary by county. But most large Texas counties now allow voting at any polling site within the county. Check the Secretary of State's website here. If your county does not appear on the secretary of state’s website, please check your county elections’ office website to find a list of polling locations. 

• I am on the voter suspense list. Can I still vote?

If you're registered at your current address or at an old address in the same county, you can still vote during the next election. You will just be asked to complete a statement of residence when you vote to confirm your address.

• Larger counties can have more than 100 races on their ballot. How can I find out who’s on my ballot before going to vote?

Check your local county elections office’s website to look at a sample ballot. You can also find out who’s on your ballot at www.vote411.org/ballot

We encourage voting in every race up and down the ballot. Sample ballots can help you research before going to the polls.

• Can I keep a list of who I’m voting for on my phone? 

You cannot use an electronic device while casting your vote. However, you may bring in a handwritten note or a printed list into the voting booth to review the candidates you want to select.

Print what you need before getting to your polling site instead of needing to use your phone.

• What should I NOT bring to my polling place? 

In Texas, you cannot wear any apparel or bring anything else visible that pertains to a candidate, measure, or political party. There should be a 100-feet marker outside the polling station where all partisan paraphernalia must be discarded/removed. 

You also cannot bring a firearm into your polling station.

Your phone will need to be put away once you are in the polling location.

• What can I do if I am registered but not showing up on the voter roles?

Ask the poll worker to double check for your name on the list of registered voters and on the supplement list of voters (sometimes voters who register close to Election Day are placed on a supplemental list of registered voters). If a poll worker is available, they can check a statewide system to see if you registered to vote at a different polling place.

If they still can't find your name, and you believe you are eligible to vote and in the right place, ask for a provisional ballot. After Election Day, election officials must investigate whether you are qualified to vote and are registered. If you are, they must count your vote.

• What do I do if I see something suspicious at my polling place or have questions about my voting rights?

The fastest way to get a response if you see something unusual at your polling place (broken machines, federal agents, etc.) is to call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

We work with other legal partners on a volunteer legal hotline that voters can call with questions and concerns (866-OUR-VOTE). The line is nonpartisan. Learn more here.

Legal experts are on call at these hotlines:

* English: 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683
* Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682
* Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683
* Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287

• I have a disability. Who can I call if I encounter an accessibility issue at the polls? 

For disability rights issues related to voting, we will have legal experts on call at these hotlines:

* ASL (VIDEO CALL): 301-818-VOTE or 301-818-8683
* Disability Rights TX: 888-796-VOTE or 888-796-8683

• How else can I help ensure Texas elections run smoothly? 

Become a poll monitor!

Nonpartisan election protection volunteers will be on the ground across Texas helping voters navigate barriers, report problems at polling locations, and make sure voters know where to turn when something goes wrong. It's not too late to get trained as a poll monitor. 

As early voting begins, we need as many trained volunteers as possible ready to go.

Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/995221/?utm_source=ACLUTX

You can also  join us at our Voting Know Your Rights webinar on Sunday, November 1 at 6 p.m. CT. Register to learn about the history of voting in the state of Texas, get information about voter eligibility, and learn what to do if you encounter issues at the polls. Spanish interpretation is provided!  

Every Texan deserves a quality future. Be a voter and help us shape a stronger Texas for all.

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Watchdog groups Public Citizen and FracTracker said the agency approved stormwater permits related to data centers. The TCEQ says it hasn’t violated the governor’s pause on data center permits.