Early voting begins Monday in Harris County for the Nov. 3, 2026, general and special elections.
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth is scheduled to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday at Harris County Election Headquarters to mark the start of early voting and share information about the election, including what’s new this cycle and what voters can expect at the polls.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30, with more than 70 early voting centers opening across Harris County.
Early voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the early voting period.
On Sunday, Oct. 25, voting hours will be noon to 7 p.m.
Voters can find early voting locations and check wait times online at HarrisVotes.com or through the free Harris Votes app.
U.S. Senate race
One of the most closely watched races on the ballot is the contest for U.S. Senate between Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Democratic State Representative James Talarico and Libertarian candidate Ted Brown.
The race has drawn national attention as both major parties compete for control of the U.S. Senate.
A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll released last week showed Talarico at 50% and Paxton at 47%, highlighting a close contest between the two major-party candidates.
Texas governor’s race
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term in office against Democratic State Representative Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian candidate Pat Dixon.
Republicans have held the Texas governor’s office for more than three decades.
Recent polling suggests a competitive race between Abbott and Hinojosa as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Harris County judge race
Harris County voters will also elect a new county judge, marking a leadership change in the state’s most populous county.
Democrat Letitia Plummer is facing Republican Orlando Sanchez to replace current Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who is not seeking reelection.
The county judge plays a major role in overseeing Harris County’s budget, public safety priorities, emergency management and other county operations.
Other races on the ballot
In addition to these contests, voters will decide several congressional, Texas Legislature and local judicial races.
The specific races appearing on each ballot will depend on a voter’s home address.
The Nov. 3 ballot includes federal, state and local contests.
Harris County voters can review their personalized sample ballot before heading to the polls by visiting HarrisVotes.com or using the Harris Votes app.
Election officials encourage voters to review their ballot ahead of time so they know which contests will appear on their ballot.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
