What a runoff election means
The gist
In Texas, a primary runoff is triggered when no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote.
Runoffs decide many US races but usually draw far fewer voters than primaries.
How it unfolded
- Feb 27, 2026In Texas, a primary runoff is declared when no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote; the runoff is set for May 26, with early voting May 18-22.
- Mar 4, 2026In Arkansas, the Republican primary for secretary of state and several state legislative races head to runoffs on March 31.
- Apr 10, 2026More than 30 state and federal races in the 2026 cycle are set to be essentially decided in May runoffs.