Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2026
← 2024
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Texas' 24th Congressional District |
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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. |
Race ratings |
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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All U.S. House districts, including the 24th Congressional District of Texas, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. The primary is March 3, 2026, and a primary runoff is May 26, 2026. The filing deadline is December 8, 2025. For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:
- Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Democratic primary)
- Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Texas District 24
Jon Buchwald, Kevin Burge, Nathan Hawks, and TJ Ware are running in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
Jon Buchwald (D) | ||
![]() | Kevin Burge (D) | |
Nathan Hawks (D) | ||
![]() | TJ Ware (D) ![]() |
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
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.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "My name is TJ Ware, and I’m running for Congress in Texas’s 24th District to fight for working Americans, protect our constitutional rights, and restore integrity to our government. I’m a Marine Corps combat veteran, a former Department of Justice employee, and a successful entrepreneur. I’ve spent my life in service— to my country, to my community, and now I’m standing up to represent everyday Texans who are tired of being ignored by Washington. I graduated high school at 16 and began working for the U.S. Department of Justice shortly after. I experienced 9/11 as a Justice Department employee and a few months later I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in western Iraq in 2004. My time in the Marines taught me how to lead under pressure and put others before myself. My work at DOJ gave me an early look at how government functions—and how it sometimes fails the people it’s supposed to serve. After returning home, I used the GI Bill to become a licensed and instrument rated pilot. I served in nonprofit capacities before founding several small businesses. I built companies in construction, insurance adjusting and information/data. I worked for years, for property owners seeking fair compensation after disasters. I also have experience in general contracting, solar energy, electrical contracting, and commercial roofing. I’ve built businesses from the ground up and created many hundreds of jobs for others along the way. I understand"
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Texas
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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TJ Ware (D)
Americans and the beautiful country we love.
I swore an oath to uphold and defend the constitution from all enemies foreign or domestic. I took, and still take that oath VERY seriously. I stand up for the second amendment, and EVERY amendment.
We need strong federal courts, without unwarranted attacks or schemes to disrupt the balance of powers as envisioned by our founders.
We need comprehensive, real immigration reform, so we can collect taxes from nonviolent immigrants, instead of rounding them up like animals.
I propose we work together with our North American neighbors to build the greatest and most comprehensive trade partnership ever created, for the production of goods here in America instead of communist China.
Let’s make NORTH America great again. we can re-shore essential production from China, back to North America, while helping Mexico build a strong and educated middle class.
We will collaboratively build up manufacturing in Mexico that produces low-cost materials and components for final assembly in the United States and Canada, on a scale never before envisioned.
it’s time we work together in a bipartisan way to ensure that Americans have access to quality goods and experience supply chain security for generations to come.
Are you tired of not being able to believe a single thing that comes out of the mouth of elected representatives or appointed government officials?
I have authored Truth-In-Government legislation, that will make it a crime for elected officials to knowingly and willfully lie to or deceive the American public.
I am tired of being lied to! I am tired of politician, saying one thing on the news, while drafting legislation that does the opposite. Governance via deception is unacceptable!
No matter your political positions, holding elected officials accountable is of the upmost importance in our country. Let’s make sure elected individuals are held civilly and criminally accountable, should they choose to mislead the American electorate.
TJ Ware (D)
-Smart spending cuts that don’t harm the most vulnerable. -No cuts to Social Security. -No cuts to VA healthcare. -Freedom and Civil Rights. -Real, common sense Immigration Reform -No kids in cages or zip ties. -Strong National Defense. -Increase American manufacturing and production. -North American trade and manufacturing. -China and Russia aren't our friends. -Strong NATO alliances. -Merit Based jobs and promotions. -Trade schools and college alternatives -Strong middle class is essential for prosperity. -Take care of our elderly -Campaign Finance Reform -Stop Congressional and Governmental Insider Trading. -Economic Stability.
-Enforcement of Emoluments Clauses.
TJ Ware (D)
I look up to Teddy Roosevelt, for his willingness to stand up to wealthy and powerful Robber Barons, for the betterment of America’s future. I appreciate his forward thinking and willingness to preserve our country’s natural beauty for generations to come.
I appreciate the principal nature and dedication of Ron Paul.
I love the powerful messages of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
I think John Cena is an American bad ass, although I’ve never watched a single round of professional wrestling. Cena has granted more make a wish wishes than any other person, and for this, I will honor and praise him until the day I die. Such selflessness for the most vulnerable amongst us is true service.
I look up to Chuck Yeager and the other Patriots who risked their lives to usher America into the Jet age.
I idolize Kelly Johnson, for his ability to create, produce, and deliver technological marvels, decades, if not centuries beyond their time, with the goal of preserving America’s freedom.
I look up to my grandfather, who was my best man in my wedding. he was the most loving and selfless man I’ve ever known. He received a Bronze star medal for commanding a half-track against the communist Chinese forces, north of the 38th parallel. He went on to raise six amazing children, and spent the rest of his life focused on loving them, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and supporting his family and community.
I look up to my own son Ethan, who has a heart for others like nothing I’ve ever seen. I never expected to be able to learn so much from my own children, but I’m eternally thankful that I have.
TJ Ware (D)
I’m running as a Conservative Democrat, with the inspirational and visionary spirit of JFK, the immigration views of Ronald Reagan, or George H.W. Bush, and a love for capitalism that doesn’t have to be abusive to be successful. My views and positions are an amalgamation of thousands of books and articles, with a heart for mankind and my fellow citizen.
If I had to boil it down to one text… it would be the letters in RED. To be the best congressman, I must be selfless, and treat others as I wish to be treated. It’s tired to cast aside disconnected politicians with back room deals and double-standards.
Let’s send true patriots to Washington, to enact massive change, in the spirit of the democracy our founders envisioned.
TJ Ware (D)
Elected officials need to be devoted to the success of this country, and to upholding the constitution. They should respect the balance of powers, a free press and an independent judiciary.
Elected officials should be smart, aggressive when necessary, and dedicated to serving the needs of their constituents, not special interests.
Elected officials mist realize the middle class is the backbone of our nation, and enact policies that benefit the majority, not a wealthy minority. Elected officials should inspire citizens to be BETTER, and to help their fellow Americans.
I’m sick of nasty and divisive politics, making Americans with diferent ideas out to be enemy, while cozying up to our real enemies around the world.
A good and strong elected official must have the wherewithal to resist big money and Billionaires meddling in government policy for their own benefit.
The power belongs to the people, not elected officials, and sometimes it’s healthy to remind them of such. 👊
TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)
A congressman must be willing to do the right thing for their district, even in the face of opposition or financial incentives.
A legislator must be smart and fast, reacting nimbly to new information, especially in out modern age of global news and technology. He must be transparent, and interested in the good of the common man. He must treat his constituents equally, whether they live in a mansion, or sleep in an alley.
Congress must act collaboratively, with people being more important that party. It’s important to remember where you come from. Some of us came from blue-collar places, concerned with real issues rather than just divisive politics.
It’s time for a new wave of leadership in Washington DC, not polished politicians, but principled warriors, dedicated to the success of ALL Americans.
TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)
I remember Y2K and the fear that was pervasive throughout our nation.
I remember the 2000 tornado, in Fort Worth. I watched the sky turn green, and a wall cloud assault downtown. I remember giving a ride to a homeless man who had been hit by a blowing trashcan and ran out of downtown by the authorities, cleaning up in the aftermath.
I remember September 11th, I watched on television as the second plane impacted the south tower. I remember my colleagues being on the phone with people in the Pentagon when another flight tragically met its end there.
I remember the space shuttle Columbia disintegrating over East Texas. Always a lover of space and aviation, I felt for the astronauts in their families in during such tragedy.
TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)
I also love a single line from Spider-Man….
“With great power comes great responsibility”
TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)
Ridding government of fascist elements m. Fringe political and ideological beliefs have been supported by billionaires intent on transforming American politics into partisan authoritarianism. Like so many Americans, I will not stand for this!
I fought to defend freedom and democracy overseas, there’s no way I’m going to let a few powerful people overturn hundreds of years of self-rule in the United States of America! 🇺🇸
TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)

TJ Ware (D)
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jon Buchwald | Democratic Party | $12,475 | $4,301 | $8,174 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Kevin Burge | Democratic Party | $22,779 | $4,650 | $18,129 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Nathan Hawks | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
TJ Ware | 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." |
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
Race ratings: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
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Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
9/2/2025 | 8/26/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/12/2025 | ||||||
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. |
Ballot access
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2024
Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 24
Incumbent Beth Van Duyne defeated Sam Eppler in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne (R) | 60.3 | 227,108 | |
![]() | Sam Eppler (D) ![]() | 39.7 | 149,518 |
Total votes: 376,626 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
Sam Eppler defeated Francine Ly in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Sam Eppler ![]() | 58.6 | 17,451 |
![]() | Francine Ly ![]() | 41.4 | 12,314 |
Total votes: 29,765 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
Incumbent Beth Van Duyne advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne | 100.0 | 75,982 |
Total votes: 75,982 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Heather Burlison (R)
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 24
Incumbent Beth Van Duyne defeated Jan McDowell in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne (R) | 59.7 | 177,947 | |
![]() | Jan McDowell (D) ![]() | 40.3 | 119,878 |
Total votes: 297,825 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24
Jan McDowell defeated Derrik Gay in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24 on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Jan McDowell ![]() | 51.2 | 7,118 |
![]() | Derrik Gay ![]() | 48.8 | 6,788 |
Total votes: 13,906 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
Jan McDowell and Derrik Gay advanced to a runoff. They defeated Kathy Fragnoli in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Jan McDowell ![]() | 39.3 | 11,467 |
✔ | ![]() | Derrik Gay ![]() | 32.8 | 9,571 |
![]() | Kathy Fragnoli ![]() | 27.9 | 8,139 |
Total votes: 29,177 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Michelle Beckley (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
Incumbent Beth Van Duyne defeated Nate Weymouth in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne | 85.0 | 61,768 | |
Nate Weymouth | 15.0 | 10,868 |
Total votes: 72,636 | ||||
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2020
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 24
Beth Van Duyne defeated Candace Valenzuela, Darren Hamilton, Steve Kuzmich, and Mark Bauer in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne (R) | 48.8 | 167,910 | |
![]() | Candace Valenzuela (D) | 47.5 | 163,326 | |
![]() | Darren Hamilton (L) ![]() | 1.6 | 5,647 | |
![]() | Steve Kuzmich (Independent) ![]() | 1.2 | 4,229 | |
![]() | Mark Bauer (Independent) ![]() | 0.8 | 2,909 |
Total votes: 344,021 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24
Candace Valenzuela defeated Kim Olson in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24 on July 14, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Candace Valenzuela | 60.4 | 20,003 |
Kim Olson ![]() | 39.6 | 13,131 |
Total votes: 33,134 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Kim Olson ![]() | 41.0 | 24,442 | |
✔ | ![]() | Candace Valenzuela | 30.4 | 18,078 |
![]() | Jan McDowell | 10.0 | 5,965 | |
Crystal Fletcher (Unofficially withdrew) | 5.7 | 3,386 | ||
![]() | Richard Fleming | 5.1 | 3,010 | |
![]() | Sam Vega ![]() | 4.5 | 2,677 | |
John Biggan ![]() | 3.4 | 1,996 |
Total votes: 59,554 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24
Beth Van Duyne defeated David Fegan, Desi Maes, Sunny Chaparala, and Jeron Liverman in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Beth Van Duyne | 64.3 | 32,067 | |
David Fegan ![]() | 20.7 | 10,295 | ||
![]() | Desi Maes ![]() | 5.8 | 2,867 | |
![]() | Sunny Chaparala ![]() | 5.6 | 2,808 | |
![]() | Jeron Liverman ![]() | 3.6 | 1,809 |
Total votes: 49,846 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24
Darren Hamilton advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 21, 2020.
Candidate | ||
✔ | ![]() | Darren Hamilton (L) ![]() |
![]() | ||||
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District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
See also
Texas | 2026 primaries | 2026 U.S. Congress elections |
---|---|---|
Voting in Texas Texas elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries |
U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018