Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Democratic primary)

Texas redrew its congressional district boundaries in August 2025. Voters will elect representatives under the new map in 2026. Click here to read more about mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections.

← 2024
Texas' 17th Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: December 8, 2025
Primary: March 3, 2026 Primary runoff: May 26, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Texas
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
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A Democratic Party primary takes place on March 3, 2026, in Texas' 17th Congressional District to determine which Democratic candidate will run in the district's general election on November 3, 2026.

Candidate filing deadline	Primary election	General election
December 8, 2025	March 3, 2026	November 3, 2026

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Texas utilizes an open primary system. State law requires voters to sign the following pledge before voting in a primary: "I am a (insert appropriate political party) and understand that I am ineligible to vote or participate in another political party's primary election or convention during this voting year."

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

This page focuses on Texas' 17th Congressional District Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:

• Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)
• Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2026

Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 17

Jamilah Flores, J. Gordon Mitchell, and Casey Shepard are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 17 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Jamilah Flores
		J. Gordon Mitchell
		Casey Shepard

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Jamilah Flores

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "I’m Milah Flores, a dedicated public servant, mother of five, with over a decade of federal service. My husband is a 22-year Army veteran, and together we chose East Texas to raise our children and build our lives. I currently serve as Financial Assistant Coordinator for a nonprofit organization focused on housing homeless veterans, reflecting my commitment to serving those who served our country. My background includes extensive experience in administrative services within federal government. I hold an associate degree in business administration, dual bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and human services, and will complete my master’s in criminal justice with a Homeland Security concentration in March 2026. After being nominated by community members and selected by the Texas Majority PAC, I’m running to bring fresh perspective and real solutions to East Texas. As someone who has lived the challenges facing Texas families, from rural education funding to supporting military families I understand what District 17 needs and am committed to being the accessible, accountable representative our community deserves."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Fully fund our rural schools and support our teachers. Every child in District 17 deserves quality education, from early childhood programs through vocational training that prepares them for good-paying careers. I’ll fight for adequate school funding, competitive teacher pay, and expanded technical education programs that keep our young people in East Texas.

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Create economic opportunities that support our agricultural communities and military families. I’ll advocate for farm and ranch support programs, work to bring good jobs to rural areas, and ensure our veterans and military families have the resources they need to successfully transition and thrive in civilian careers.

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Build unity and equality for all in East Texas. Rather than focusing on what divides us, I’ll work to bring our community together around our shared values of hard work, family, and opportunity. Every person in District 17 deserves equal treatment and the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. It’s time to reduce division and strengthen our community bonds.

J. Gordon Mitchell

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "I’m J. Gordon Mitchell—a 27-year Air Force veteran, public servant, author, and lifelong advocate for equity, public health, women’s reproductive rights, education, and marginalized communities. My life’s work has been showing up in crisis and leading from the front—not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s hard. I’ve fought wildfires, stood in the wreckage of natural disasters, helped lead Texas’s COVID response, and served as a school board trustee for one of the fastest-growing districts in the state. As a Senior Enlisted Advisor and Senior Planner, I’ve advised commanders on the health and welfare of over 1,000 troops, coordinated the distribution of 68 million pounds of food, and helped vaccinate more than a million Texans. I’ve served on numerous local committees focused on housing, public safety, education, and human rights. I hold multiple degrees, including a master’s from Johns Hopkins University in Government, Education, and Cultural Awareness, and I’m completing a second in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I’m not a career politician. I’m a responder. A father. A neighbor. I believe no one should have to fight alone for dignity or representation. I’m running because the people of TX-17 deserve a leader who doesn’t just talk about showing up—they deserve one who already has. Because leadership matters."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Leadership Means Showing Up. I’ve led in some of the toughest situations imaginable fighting wildfires, responding to hurricanes, serving during the pandemic, and standing firm on the school board when extremism threatened our kids’ safety. I don’t just believe in leadership when it’s convenient—I show up when it’s hard. Especially when it's hard. When emotions run high, and when the stakes are real. True leadership isn’t about titles or talking points. It’s about presence, service, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. That’s how I’ve led my entire life, and it’s exactly how I’ll represent TX-17 in Washington.

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People Over Politics. This campaign isn’t powered by PACs, corporations, or political gatekeepers—it’s powered by people. I’m running to represent the families, workers, and everyday Texans who’ve been left behind by a system that too often rewards the loudest donors, not the strongest public servants. I’ve never played politics for personal gain—I’ve answered the call to serve, in uniform and in the community. It's what responders do. It is what I do - whenever and wherever needed. That won’t change in Congress. I’ll show up, listen with purpose, and fight for reproductive freedom, healthcare access, safe schools, and the right of every Texan to live with dignity and opportunity.

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Every Voice Matters. TX-17 is diverse, resilient, and ready to be heard—from rural communities to small towns and cities. Whether you’re raising a family, running a business, farming your land, or finding your way—you deserve a representative who sees and hears you. That includes those often pushed to the margins—working families, seniors, veterans, young people, and underrepresented communities whose needs are too often overlooked. I’ll fight for reproductive rights, fully funded public schools, strong public health systems, access to healthcare, and the protection of our democratic institutions. I’ll also confront food and housing insecurity head-on. Every Texan deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity—every single time.

Casey Shepard

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "I’m a seventh generation Texan and a third generation Central Texan. This is Home. I graduated from Midway High School, where I discovered a passion for public policy debate that carried me to Loyola Marymount University on a debate scholarship. I later earned my law degree from the UC Davis, Martin Luther King Jr. Hall School of Law. Today, I serve as a criminal defense attorney for indigent clients in McLennan County, standing with vulnerable communities that government too often overlooks. My career has been defined by confronting powerful systems, protecting constitutional rights, and giving a voice to those who can’t afford one. I believe the country is facing a pivotal moment, with core democratic principles — rule of law, freedom, civil rights — crumbling before our eyes at the hands of the leaders in Washington. I am trained, practiced, and battle tested in the skills required to navigate high pressure fights, challenge government overreach, and defend fundamental freedoms — and I won’t hesitate to hit back when Texans’ freedom and values are under attack."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I will fight an executive branch that has grown far beyond its proper limits and I’m committed to restoring the balance of power on which our democracy depends. I’m willing to work across the aisle when it serves the public good, but I won’t compromise on core principles or ignore abuses of power. My focus will be accountability. That means working with others to scrutinize executive agencies, investigate misconduct, and act when institutions fail the people they’re meant to serve. It also means using every lawful tool available — from adjusting agency funding to supporting constitutional remedies, including impeachment — when leaders refuse to respect the limits of their authority.

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During the fight on Capitol Hill, my legislative priorities are food stability, healthcare access, and affordable housing. As we protect our democratic institutions, we must support the most vulnerable. I’ll work to strengthen SNAP, WIC, school meals, farm subsidies, loan assistance, and USAID food programs. I’ll focus on improving ACA premium subsidies, Medicaid, CHIP, and SAMHSA. And I’ll support restoring Section 8, rental assistance, public housing, government‑backed mortgage aid, and HUD programs for low‑income housing.

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I will work with Democratic coalitions that support Democratic priorities like compassionate immigration reform, racial justice and DEI, bodily autonomy, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, expanded voter access, foreign policy rooted in peace, cooperation and full participation in multinational organizations, mutually beneficial trade policy, a renewable‑energy economy, climate change action, and broader education, job training opportunities for ALL Americans and addressing the extreme wealth gap in this country. These goals are ambitious, but achievable when we stand together.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Texas

Election information in Texas: March 3, 2026, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Feb. 2, 2026
• By mail: Postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026
• Online: N/A

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Feb. 20, 2026
• By mail: Received by Feb. 20, 2026
• Online: N/A

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: March 3, 2026
• By mail: Postmarked by March 3, 2026

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

Feb. 17, 2026 to Feb. 27, 2026

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CT/MT)

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Jamilah Flores	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
J. Gordon Mitchell	Democratic Party	$7,739	$7,378	$360	As of December 31, 2025
Casey Shepard	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district before and after redistricting ahead of the 2026 election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below is the district map used in the 2024 election next to the map in place for the 2026 election. Click on a map below to enlarge it.

2024

2026

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026

Information about competitiveness will be added here as it becomes available.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+14. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 14 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Texas' 17th the 85th most Republican district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.

2024 presidential results in Texas' 17th Congressional District

Kamala Harris	Donald Trump
39.7%	57.8%

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2024

Texas presidential election results (1900-2024)

• 16 Democratic wins
• 15 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020	2024
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	D	D	D	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

See also: Party control of Texas state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Texas' congressional delegation as of October 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Texas
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	0	12	12
Republican	2	25	27
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	1	1
Total	2	38	40

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Texas' top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Texas, October 2025

Office	Officeholder
Governor	Greg Abbott
Lieutenant Governor	Dan Patrick
Secretary of State	Jane Nelson
Attorney General	Ken Paxton

State legislature

Texas State Senate

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	11
	Republican Party	18
	Other	0
	Vacancies	2
Total		31

Texas House of Representatives

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	62
	Republican Party	88
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		150

Trifecta control

Texas Party Control: 1992-2025
Three years of Democratic trifectas  •  Twenty-three years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25
Governor	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Texas in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Texas, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Texas	U.S. House	Democratic or Republican	2% of votes cast for governor in the district in the last election, or 500, whichever is less	$3,125	12/8/2025	Source
Texas	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	5% of all votes cast for governor in the district in the last election, or 500, whichever is less	N/A	12/8/2025	Source

See also

• Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)
• Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2026
• United States House elections in Texas, 2026 (March 3 Democratic primaries)
• United States House elections in Texas, 2026 (March 3 Republican primaries)
• United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2026
• United States House Republican Party primaries, 2026
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2026
• U.S. House battlegrounds, 2026

External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Christian Menefee (D)

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (13)

2025-2026 Elections to the United States Congress

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Election information

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • List of candidates running for election • List of congressional challengers • Retiring senators • Retiring representatives

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Super PACs/Organizations

American Bridge 21st Century • American Crossroads • American Unity PAC • Campaign for Primary Accountability • Club for Growth Action • Congressional Leadership Fund • Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee• Crossroads Generation • Ending Spending Action Fund • Endorse Liberty • Fair Share Action • FreedomWorks for America • Government Integrity Fund • House Majority PAC • Independence USA Fund • League of Conservation Voters • Liberty for All PAC • Majority PAC • National Association of Realtors • NEA Advocacy Fund • Now or Never PAC • Planned Parenthood Votes • Ready for Hillary • Republicans for a Prosperous America • Restore America's Voice PAC • SEIU Pea-Federal • Women Vote!

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