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Election archive & results · Texas general election · November 3, 2026

2026 Texas Muslim Voter Guide

Created and edited by Omar Afra

Archive revised

Texas Muslim voter guide collage

Who says a serious Voter Guide can't be a little fun?

2026 election archive

The November 3 election is over. This guide remains available as a record of the candidates, their public statements and the evidence available during the campaign. Reported vote totals now sit alongside that research, so readers can compare the campaign record with the election outcome.

Results are a dated snapshot of unofficial Texas Secretary of State returns, updated November 4, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. and checked November 8. All polling locations are listed as reporting; that does not mean every ballot has been counted or the results certified.

Sources checked November 8, 2026: Texas Secretary of State, 2026 November General Election unofficial results · Texas Secretary of State, Election Advisory No. 2026-28 (canvass and recount deadlines)

Election archive & results

Results in all 18 races

Most votes reported in each race · unofficial
RaceMost votes reportedVotesShareFull race results
U.S. SenateJames Talarico (Democrat)5,444,98255.06%Full results →
GovernorGina Hinojosa (Democrat)5,230,78952.80%Full results →
Lieutenant GovernorVikki Goodwin (Democrat)5,083,58151.73%Full results →
Attorney GeneralNathan Johnson (Democrat)5,133,62952.38%Full results →
Comptroller of Public AccountsSarah Eckhardt (Democrat)5,014,49651.30%Full results →
Commissioner of the General Land OfficeBenjamin Flores (Democrat)5,014,71451.45%Full results →
Commissioner of AgricultureClayton Tucker (Democrat)4,991,89651.31%Full results →
Railroad CommissionerJon Rosenthal (Democrat)5,103,17752.52%Full results →
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of TexasMaggie Ellis (Democrat)5,102,28852.45%Full results →
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term)Chari Kelly (Democrat)5,068,04752.25%Full results →
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7Kristen Hawkins (Democrat)5,112,07352.78%Full results →
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8Gisela D. Triana (Democrat)5,033,58652.02%Full results →
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3Okey Anyiam (Democrat)4,839,23050.03%Full results →
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4Audra Riley (Democrat)4,996,89851.75%Full results →
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9Holly Taylor (Democrat)5,043,09452.28%Full results →
Chief Justice, 15th Court of AppealsJerry Zimmerer (Democrat)4,985,00151.81%Full results →
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2Tom Baker (Democrat)4,998,61951.98%Full results →
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3Marc M. Meyer (Democrat)4,950,44651.54%Full results →

Unofficial returns: Texas Secretary of State, “2026 NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION (Updated 11/04/2026 04:59 PM)”; time zone not shown on the source. Checked November 8, 2026. 100% of polling locations reporting, which does not mean every ballot has been counted. Not certified; the state canvass falls between November 21, 2026 and December 7, 2026. Shares are of all votes reported in the race, write-ins included, rounded to two decimals; they may not total 100%.

Download the snapshot: unofficial-results.json · unofficial-results.csv

18 statewide races

Every statewide candidate, what they’ve actually said and done, and their record under scrutiny. We don’t endorse candidates or use a cute little scorecard. We bring the data, the receipts and give you the tools to make an informed decision for the best candidate, Inshallah. The 2026 compare and ballot-notes tools remain available as part of the archive; anything you saved stays on your device only.

Most votes reported · U.S. Senate
55.06%
James Talarico
Votes reported · U.S. Senate
9,889,704
Unofficial, write-ins included

2026 election dates

Voter registration deadline
October 5, 2026
Early voting
October 19–30, 2026
General election
November 3, 2026

Dates: Texas Secretary of State. Candidates: 2026 General Election statewide sample ballot.

0 of 18 statewide races selected

Race 1 of 18 · 3 candidates

U.S. Senate

Votes on federal law, treaties, military aid, federal judges and cabinet nominees.

Unofficial reported results · U.S. Senate
CandidateVotesShare
James TalaricoDemocratMost votes reported5,444,98255.06%
Ken PaxtonRepublican4,249,37342.97%
Ted BrownLibertarian190,2371.92%
Avery AyersWrite-in1,9250.02%
Jade SimmonsWrite-in1,7380.02%
Bradford ‘Brad’ HallWrite-in1,2630.01%
Zul MohamedWrite-in186<0.01%
Total votes reported9,889,7047 entries
Full U.S. Senate results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Ken Paxton

    Ken Paxton is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. As attorney general, Paxton sued CAIR, seeking to stop its operations in Texas.

    Muslim / Islam record
    5 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    $5,000 · OTHER PRO-ISRAEL PACS
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    5 documented
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Expanded state enforcement powers
    Years in public office
    23 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    James Talarico

    James Talarico is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Talarico said the U.S. should stop offensive weapons sales to the Netanyahu government while continuing defensive systems.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    1
    Pro-Israel political money
    $150 · OTHER PRO-ISRAEL PACS
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    7 years
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Ted Brown

    Ted Brown is the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate. Brown calls for ending foreign aid and U.S. military intervention abroad.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 2 of 18 · 3 candidates

Governor

Signs or vetoes state law, appoints agency heads and many judges, commands the Texas Military Department and directs state emergency powers.

Unofficial reported results · Governor
CandidateVotesShare
Gina HinojosaDemocratMost votes reported5,230,78952.80%
Greg AbbottRepublican4,524,52745.67%
Pat DixonLibertarian148,0781.49%
Jenn MackWrite-in2,1980.02%
Mike MillerWrite-in1,2660.01%
Edward Earl GilesWrite-in449<0.01%
Jinghpaw MajoishingraWrite-in74<0.01%
Total votes reported9,907,3817 entries
Full Governor results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Greg Abbott

    Greg Abbott is the Republican candidate for Governor. Abbott used a Texas proclamation to designate CAIR, a U.S. Muslim civil-rights and advocacy organization, as a foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organization.

    Muslim / Islam record
    4 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    2
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    3 documented
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Expanded state enforcement powers
    Years in public office
    30 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Gina Hinojosa

    Gina Hinojosa is the Democratic candidate for Governor. Hinojosa told the Texas Democratic Convention that Muslim Texans are Texans.

    Muslim / Islam record
    1 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Backed policing transparency
    Years in public office
    12 years
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Pat Dixon

    Pat Dixon is the Libertarian candidate for Governor. Dixon defended Muslim Texans’ equal rights and opposed government rhetoric that incites fear of Muslims.

    Muslim / Islam record
    1 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    Public support documented; no verified in-person engagement
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Defended Muslim Texans’ equal rights
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 3 of 18 · 4 candidates

Lieutenant Governor

Presides over the Texas Senate, controls which bills reach the floor and sits on the Legislative Budget Board.

Unofficial reported results · Lieutenant Governor
CandidateVotesShare
Vikki GoodwinDemocratMost votes reported5,083,58151.73%
Dan PatrickRepublican4,484,65245.63%
Anthony CristoLibertarian170,4441.73%
Kevin McCormickGreen88,0330.90%
Stephen SamuelsonWrite-in7690.01%
Arturo EspinosaWrite-in5710.01%
Total votes reported9,828,0506 entries
Full Lieutenant Governor results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Dan Patrick

    Dan Patrick is the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Patrick directed the Texas Senate to study “preventing Sharia law in Texas.”

    Muslim / Islam record
    1 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    1 documented
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Directed a Sharia-law study
    Years in public office
    19 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Vikki Goodwin

    Vikki Goodwin is the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Goodwin campaigns for public-school funding and against public money for religious schools.

    Muslim / Islam record
    1 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Backed equal civil-rights protections
    Years in public office
    7 years
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Anthony Cristo

    Anthony Cristo is the Libertarian candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Cristo’s campaign describes him as a Cibolo high-school English and debate teacher and a military veteran.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Opposed blaming immigrants
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
  • Green

    Kevin McCormick

    Kevin McCormick is the Green candidate for Lieutenant Governor. McCormick lists bus service, farm cooperatives and election reform as his top legislative priorities.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 4 of 18 · 3 candidates

Attorney General

Represents the state in court, issues legal opinions, enforces consumer and civil law and collects child support.

Unofficial reported results · Attorney General
CandidateVotesShare
Nathan JohnsonDemocratMost votes reported5,133,62952.38%
Mayes MiddletonRepublican4,502,44245.94%
Tom OxfordLibertarian165,5501.69%
Total votes reported9,801,6213 entries
Full Attorney General results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Mayes Middleton

    Mayes Middleton is the Republican candidate for Attorney General. Middleton's campaign says he would use the attorney general's office to target what it calls Sharia-law enforcement and “extremist influence.”

    Muslim / Islam record
    1 documented
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    1 documented
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Backed Sharia-law restrictions
    Years in public office
    7 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Nathan Johnson

    Nathan Johnson is the Democratic candidate for Attorney General. Johnson says he would use the attorney general's office to defend individual rights, constitutional order and the rule of law.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    1
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Backed individual-rights enforcement
    Years in public office
    6 years
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Tom Oxford

    Tom Oxford is the Libertarian candidate for Attorney General. Personal-injury and civil-rights attorney who owns Oxford Law PLLC near Beaumont.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 5 of 18 · 4 candidates

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Collects state taxes, certifies the budget, manages state funds and administers state procurement and investment restrictions.

Unofficial reported results · Comptroller of Public Accounts
CandidateVotesShare
Sarah EckhardtDemocratMost votes reported5,014,49651.30%
Don HuffinesRepublican4,511,18546.15%
V. Alonzo Echavarria-GarzaLibertarian185,1871.89%
Shehla FaiziGreen63,8170.65%
Total votes reported9,774,6854 entries
Full Comptroller of Public Accounts results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Don Huffines

    Don Huffines is the Republican candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts. As acting comptroller, Huffines requested an additional $1 billion in base funding for the Texas school-voucher program.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    3 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Sarah Eckhardt

    Sarah Eckhardt is the Democratic candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts. Eckhardt says the comptroller should conduct recurring reviews of whether state programs are achieving public goals.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    15 years
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza

    V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza is the Libertarian candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts. Hearne city manager and former municipal chief financial officer.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
  • Green

    Shehla Faizi

    Shehla Faizi is the Green candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts. Faizi's campaign describes her as a Muslim American of Pakistani background.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    Opposed anti-BDS restrictions
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 6 of 18 · 3 candidates

Commissioner of the General Land Office

Manages state public lands and mineral rights, the Permanent School Fund's land, the Alamo and coastal disaster recovery.

Unofficial reported results · Commissioner of the General Land Office
CandidateVotesShare
Benjamin FloresDemocratMost votes reported5,014,71451.45%
Dawn BuckinghamRepublican4,576,88346.96%
Neill SniderLibertarian155,4081.59%
Total votes reported9,747,0053 entries
Full Commissioner of the General Land Office results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Dawn Buckingham

    Dawn Buckingham is the Republican candidate for Commissioner of the General Land Office. Incumbent commissioner seeking another term leading the General Land Office.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    9 years
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Benjamin Flores

    Benjamin Flores is the Democratic candidate for Commissioner of the General Land Office. Flores says he would use state lands and energy revenue to support public schools, expand veterans services and strengthen storm recovery.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Neill Snider

    Neill Snider is the Libertarian candidate for Commissioner of the General Land Office. Mechanical contractor whose family operates a small cattle farm.

    Muslim / Islam record
    No public info found
    Muslim community engagement
    No verified public record found
    Pro-Israel political money
    Partial review
    Anti-Islam remarks & actions
    No public info found
    CIVIL LIBERTIES
    No public info found
    Years in public office
    No public info found
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 7 of 18 · 3 candidates

Commissioner of Agriculture

Regulates agriculture, weights and measures and pesticides, and runs school nutrition programs.

Unofficial reported results · Commissioner of Agriculture
CandidateVotesShare
Clayton TuckerDemocratMost votes reported4,991,89651.31%
Nate SheetsRepublican4,538,73646.65%
Austin R. KellyLibertarian199,0242.05%
Total votes reported9,729,6563 entries
Full Commissioner of Agriculture results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Nate Sheets

    Nate Sheets is the Republican candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture. Sheets campaigns on cleaner food and stronger farms.

    Hometown / home base
    Frisco / North Texas
    Agriculture background
    Honey entrepreneur + ranch operator
    Profession / credential
    Founder, Nature Nate’s Honey
    Campaign finance
    $104,510 cash on hand
    Top ag priority
    Clean food + stronger farms
    Public / political experience
    First run for public office
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Clayton Tucker

    Clayton Tucker is the Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture. Tucker campaigns on food and farming affordability, water and rural economic development.

    Hometown / home base
    Lampasas
    Agriculture background
    Family rancher
    Profession / credential
    Rancher + Texas Farmers Union secretary
    Campaign finance
    $162,456 cash on hand
    Top ag priority
    Protect family farms + water
    Public / political experience
    2020 State Senate candidate + organizer
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Austin R. Kelly

    Austin R. Kelly is the Libertarian candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture. Kelly says he would cut regulatory barriers for family farms and reduce subsidies.

    Hometown / home base
    Comanche County roots
    Agriculture background
    Agricultural scientist + ag consultant
    Profession / credential
    Ecologist / PhD candidate
    Campaign finance
    $0 cash on hand
    Top ag priority
    Water + property rights
    Public / political experience
    Scientist, educator, nonprofit board service
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 8 of 18 · 3 candidates

Railroad Commissioner

Regulates oil, gas, pipelines, mining and related safety in Texas.

Unofficial reported results · Railroad Commissioner
CandidateVotesShare
Jon RosenthalDemocratMost votes reported5,103,17752.52%
Bo FrenchRepublican4,426,14145.55%
Arthur DiBiancaLibertarian187,9841.93%
Total votes reported9,717,3023 entries
Full Railroad Commissioner results →

Candidate records from the campaign

Next race ↓

Race 9 of 18 · 2 candidates

Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas

Leads the state's highest court for civil and juvenile cases and oversees the judicial branch.

Unofficial reported results · Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas
CandidateVotesShare
Maggie EllisDemocratMost votes reported5,102,28852.45%
Jimmy BlacklockRepublican4,625,88647.55%
Total votes reported9,728,1742 entries
Full Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Jimmy Blacklock

    Jimmy Blacklock is the Republican candidate for Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas. Chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

    Judicial experience
    Supreme Court since 2018
    Legal / government background
    Abbott counsel · AG · DOJ
    Judicial philosophy
    Originalist · plain-text approach
    Campaign finance
    $565,473 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Rejected Abbott quorum-removal bid
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Maggie Ellis

    Maggie Ellis is the Democratic candidate for Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas. Justice on the 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 2.

    Judicial experience
    Third Court since 2025
    Legal / government background
    Family law · ADA · ALJ
    Judicial philosophy
    Depoliticize courts · expand access
    Campaign finance
    $21,392 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Opposed same-sex wedding guidance
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 10 of 18 · 2 candidates

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term)

Decides civil and juvenile appeals on the state's highest civil court.

Unofficial reported results · Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term)
CandidateVotesShare
Chari KellyDemocratMost votes reported5,068,04752.25%
James P. SullivanRepublican4,631,18247.75%
Total votes reported9,699,2292 entries
Full Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term) results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    James P. Sullivan

    James P. Sullivan is the Republican candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term). Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2.

    Judicial experience
    Supreme Court since 2025
    Legal / government background
    Abbott counsel · solicitor general
    Judicial philosophy
    Campaign: bold conservative judging
    Campaign finance
    $354,765 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Texas Alliance for Life endorsed
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Chari Kelly

    Chari Kelly is the Democratic candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (Unexpired Term). Justice on the 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 3.

    Judicial experience
    Third Court since 2019
    Legal / government background
    Prosecutor · AG · CCA · JAG
    Judicial philosophy
    Campaign: defend the Constitution
    Campaign finance
    $74,328 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Heard Paxton whistleblower dispute
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 11 of 18 · 2 candidates

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7

Decides civil and juvenile appeals on the state's highest civil court.

Unofficial reported results · Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7
CandidateVotesShare
Kristen HawkinsDemocratMost votes reported5,112,07352.78%
Kyle HawkinsRepublican4,572,75847.22%
Total votes reported9,684,8312 entries
Full Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Kyle Hawkins

    Kyle Hawkins is the Republican candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7. Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 7.

    Judicial experience
    Supreme Court since Oct. 2025
    Legal / government background
    Solicitor general · DOJ · clerkships
    Judicial philosophy
    Tribune: conservative appellate background
    Campaign finance
    $231,002 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Litigated ACA · Planned Parenthood
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Kristen Hawkins

    Kristen Hawkins is the Democratic candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7. Judge of the 11th District Court since 2016.

    Judicial experience
    District Court since 2017
    Legal / government background
    Disability law · tax master
    Judicial philosophy
    Cautious overturning jury verdicts
    Campaign finance
    $309,660 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Houston
    Rights / notable record
    Oversaw Astroworld litigation
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 12 of 18 · 2 candidates

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8

Decides civil and juvenile appeals on the state's highest civil court.

Unofficial reported results · Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8
CandidateVotesShare
Gisela D. TrianaDemocratMost votes reported5,033,58652.02%
Brett BusbyRepublican4,643,37547.98%
Total votes reported9,676,9612 entries
Full Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Brett Busby

    Brett Busby is the Republican candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8. Texas Supreme Court justice since 2019.

    Judicial experience
    Supreme Court since 2019
    Legal / government background
    Appellate practice · federal clerkships
    Judicial philosophy
    Federalist Society · legal-access work
    Campaign finance
    $890,743 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Flagged abortion-law clarity questions
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Gisela D. Triana

    Gisela D. Triana is the Democratic candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8. Justice on the 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 6.

    Judicial experience
    Texas benches since 1994
    Legal / government background
    Trial + appellate judicial career
    Judicial philosophy
    Prior campaign criticized result-focus
    Campaign finance
    $123,622 carried-over funds
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Rights / notable record
    Criticized COVID eviction rulings
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 13 of 18 · 3 candidates

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

Decides criminal appeals, including every death-penalty case, on the state's highest criminal court.

Unofficial reported results · Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3
CandidateVotesShare
Okey AnyiamDemocratMost votes reported4,839,23050.03%
Thomas SmithRepublican4,601,87847.58%
Mark AshLibertarian231,0482.39%
Total votes reported9,672,1563 entries
Full Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Thomas Smith

    Thomas Smith is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Special assistant attorney general working in criminal justice.

    Criminal-law experience
    Assistant Texas attorney general
    Prosecution / defense background
    Government / AG-side background
    Judicial philosophy
    Campaign: public-safety emphasis
    Campaign finance
    $5,896.81 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Dallas
    Notable justice record
    Conduct complaint · disputed
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Okey Anyiam

    Okey Anyiam is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense attorney licensed in Texas since 1997.

    Criminal-law experience
    Criminal-defense attorney
    Prosecution / defense background
    Defense
    Judicial philosophy
    Law without legislating
    Campaign finance
    No cash on hand reported
    Hometown / home base
    Dallas
    Notable justice record
    Criminal-defense practice
    View record →
  • Libertarian

    Mark Ash

    Mark Ash is the Libertarian candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense lawyer licensed in Texas since 1992.

    Criminal-law experience
    Defense attorney since 1994
    Prosecution / defense background
    Defense
    Judicial philosophy
    Privacy · due-process emphasis
    Campaign finance
    TEC filings available
    Hometown / home base
    Houston
    Notable justice record
    Repeated statewide judicial candidacies
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 14 of 18 · 2 candidates

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4

Decides criminal appeals, including every death-penalty case, on the state's highest criminal court.

Unofficial reported results · Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4
CandidateVotesShare
Audra RileyDemocratMost votes reported4,996,89851.75%
Kevin Patrick YearyRepublican4,659,29948.25%
Total votes reported9,656,1972 entries
Full Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Kevin Patrick Yeary

    Kevin Patrick Yeary is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4. Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2014.

    Criminal-law experience
    CCA judge since 2015
    Prosecution / defense background
    Defense + appellate prosecution
    Judicial philosophy
    Career appellate judge
    Campaign finance
    TEC filings available
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable justice record
    Dissented in AG election case
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Audra Riley

    Audra Riley is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4. Judge of Criminal District Court No. 3.

    Criminal-law experience
    Felony trial judge since 2021
    Prosecution / defense background
    Prosecution + defense
    Judicial philosophy
    Campaign: justice and integrity
    Campaign finance
    $478 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Dallas
    Notable justice record
    Sitting felony trial judge
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 15 of 18 · 2 candidates

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9

Decides criminal appeals, including every death-penalty case, on the state's highest criminal court.

Unofficial reported results · Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9
CandidateVotesShare
Holly TaylorDemocratMost votes reported5,043,09452.28%
John MessingerRepublican4,602,68147.72%
Total votes reported9,645,7752 entries
Full Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    John Messinger

    John Messinger is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9. Attorney with the Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney since 2011.

    Criminal-law experience
    State appellate prosecutor
    Prosecution / defense background
    Prosecution / state appellate
    Judicial philosophy
    Enforce laws as written
    Campaign finance
    $6,472 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable justice record
    Represents state before CCA
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Holly Taylor

    Holly Taylor is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9. Director of the Travis County district attorney's Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division.

    Criminal-law experience
    Criminal + civil appeals
    Prosecution / defense background
    Public integrity + appellate practice
    Judicial philosophy
    Independent · dignity · rule of law
    Campaign finance
    $11,584 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable justice record
    Led public-integrity prosecutions
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 16 of 18 · 2 candidates

Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals

Leads the statewide appeals court that hears cases involving the state, its agencies and officials.

Unofficial reported results · Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals
CandidateVotesShare
Jerry ZimmererDemocratMost votes reported4,985,00151.81%
Scott BristerRepublican4,636,99248.19%
Total votes reported9,621,9932 entries
Full Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Scott Brister

    Scott Brister is the Republican candidate for Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals. Chief justice of the 15th Court of Appeals.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    Four Texas courts · now chief
    Legal specialization
    Long trial + appellate career
    Judicial philosophy
    Law over personal beliefs
    Campaign finance
    $183,060 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Limited AG in quorum disputes
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Jerry Zimmerer

    Jerry Zimmerer is the Democratic candidate for Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals. Attorney and former justice on the 14th Court of Appeals.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    14th Court 2019–2024
    Legal specialization
    Cybersecurity · health · arbitration
    Judicial philosophy
    Campaign: democratic values + efficiency
    Campaign finance
    $15,486 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Houston
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Former 14th Court justice
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 17 of 18 · 2 candidates

Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2

Hears appeals involving the state, its agencies and officials.

Unofficial reported results · Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2
CandidateVotesShare
Tom BakerDemocratMost votes reported4,998,61951.98%
Scott K. FieldRepublican4,618,11648.02%
Total votes reported9,616,7352 entries
Full Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    Scott K. Field

    Scott K. Field is the Republican candidate for Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2. Justice on the 15th Court of Appeals.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    3rd · 480th · 15th Courts
    Legal specialization
    Appeals + commercial litigation
    Judicial philosophy
    Apply law as written
    Campaign finance
    $219,409 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Liberty Hill
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Joined rulings limiting AG claims
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Tom Baker

    Tom Baker is the Democratic candidate for Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2. Practicing attorney and former 3rd Court of Appeals justice.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    3rd Court 2019–2024
    Legal specialization
    Appeals · county attorney · JAG
    Judicial philosophy
    Politics should not affect rulings
    Campaign finance
    $2,794 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Temple
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Mask mandate + hemp rulings
    View record →
Next race ↓

Race 18 of 18 · 2 candidates

Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3

Hears appeals involving the state, its agencies and officials.

Unofficial reported results · Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3
CandidateVotesShare
Marc M. MeyerDemocratMost votes reported4,950,44651.54%
April FarrisRepublican4,654,82048.46%
Total votes reported9,605,2662 entries
Full Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3 results →

Candidate records from the campaign

  • Republican

    April Farris

    April Farris is the Republican candidate for Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3. Justice on the 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    1st Court · current 15th
    Legal specialization
    Appeals · former solicitor general
    Judicial philosophy
    Apply law, not personal views
    Campaign finance
    $148,687 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Sugar Land
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Joined rulings limiting AG claims
    View record →
  • Democrat

    Marc M. Meyer

    Marc M. Meyer is the Democratic candidate for Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3. Democratic candidate for 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3.

    Appellate / judicial experience
    No prior judicial office
    Legal specialization
    Board-certified administrative law
    Judicial philosophy
    Temper state power with rights
    Campaign finance
    $703 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Montgomery
    Notable ruling / state-power record
    Administrative-law practice
    View record →
Your 2026 ballot notes →

Candidate interviews

Interview: Pat Dixon, Libertarian Candidate for Texas Gov · Interview by Omar Afra · October 7, 2026

Why this guide exists

A publisher saw a missing tool

Omar Afra created the 2026 Texas Muslim Voter Guide after running into a basic problem: Texas Muslims have few statewide voter tools that are both current and built around the questions their communities are actually asking. The institutions people reasonably expect to provide that kind of practical civic information have not consistently offered a current, statewide, source-linked guide. Afra’s response was a publisher’s response: build one, show the sources, and let readers make up their own minds.

Afra is not a theologian, Islamic scholar, lawyer, election official or anyone’s model of perfect observance. Some days of the week he would tell you he is better at being Muslim than others. That is part of the point: faith, for him, is not a credential to wave around but a structure of practice, discipline, study and return. He has spent nearly three decades writing, editing and publishing, and approaches the guide as journalism and public-record research rather than religious or legal authority.

His wider work includes founding Free Press Houston, co-founding Free Press Summer Fest and Day for Night, recognition as a 2014 Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and publishing Testset and Live Index. At Live Index he uses structured data, public records and systems analysis to study live music as a human network: how audiences gather and move, how prices and venues shape behavior, and how technology, geography and market structure alter cultural participation.

Omar Afra — biography, work & source record →

Methods & authorship

How this guide was made

This voting guide uses public filings, candidate and office statements, voting records, court opinions, campaign materials, credible reporting and public records. It does not endorse, score or recommend candidates. Sometimes you just gotta allow folks to make fools of themselves. Research and writing by publisher Omar Afra.

Read methods, limitations & corrections →

Corrections & updates

Suggested citation

Texas Muslim. “2026 Texas Muslim Voter Guide & Election Results.” Created and edited by Omar Afra. Election November 3, 2026; archive revised November 8, 2026. https://texasmuslim.org/voter-guide/2026.

For vote totals, cite the source: Texas Secretary of State. “2026 November General Election (Updated 11/04/2026 04:59 PM).” Unofficial results. https://electionresults.sos.state.tx.us/results.html. Accessed November 8, 2026.

About this work

Created and edited by Omar Afra

Omar Afra created and edited the 2026 guide. Candidate records quote public statements and votes with their sources; election figures are the Texas Secretary of State’s unofficial reported results.

Spot an error? Send a correction.

Related reading

Before comparing candidates, use the guide’s office and evidence records to distinguish government powers from political claims. Separate reference pages explain public-school observances, religious-freedom protections and mosque tax rules.