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Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)

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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' 8th 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.
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
Texas' 8th Congressional District
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Texas elections, 2026
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Six candidates are running in the Republican primary for Texas' 8th Congressional District on March 3, 2026. Two candidates lead in media attention and endorsements: Jessica Steinmann (R) and Nick Tran (R).

Incumbent Morgan Luttrell (R) is not running for re-election. For a list of U.S. Representatives who are not running for re-election in 2026, click here. The last time this district was open was 2022, when Luttrell was first elected.

Steinmann is an attorney and works as general counsel for the America First Policy Institute.[1][2] She served as Director of the Office of Victims of Crime in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2020 to 2021 and previously worked for the office of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and the Texas House of Representatives.[3] Steinmann says she would focus on family-related policies, highlighting her work in the DOJ addressing human trafficking and her litigation requiring transgender athletes to participate in sports based on their sex.[1] Steinmann is campaigning on her legal experience, saying she has "led the charge in conservative fights" through litigation.[1] Highlighting President Donald Trump (R) appointing her to the DOJ, Steinmann says she supports Trump’s policies and has "stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump and the America First movement."[1] Cruz, Luttrell, and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) endorsed Steinmann.[4][5][6]

Tran is a small business owner and U.S. Army veteran.[7] Tran says he would focus on economic growth and reducing the cost of living by decreasing small business regulations, lowering taxes, and reducing federal spending.[8] Highlighting his career experience in the energy industry, he also says he would promote oil and gas production to improve the economy.[8] Tran says he would improve public safety by increasing funding for border patrol and law enforcement, as well as by "staunchly oppos[ing] legislation that restricts our right to bear arms."[8] Tran is campaigning on his military service and says he would "create a system that honors our veterans, empowers them to succeed, and ensures that no one who served this great nation is left behind."[8] Former Republican Party of Texas chair Allen West (R) and Veterans for America First endorsed Tran.[9][10]

Also running in the primary are Jay Fondren (R), Brett Jensen (R), Stephen Long (R), and Deddrick Wilmer (R).

As of November 2025, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales, and Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball each rated the general election Safe/Solid Republican. Luttrell won re-election in 2024 with 68% of the vote.

Texas conducted redistricting between the 2024 and 2026 elections. As a result, district lines in this state changed. To review how redistricting took place in Texas, click here. For a list of all states that drew new district lines between 2024 and 2026, click here.

Nick Tran (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.

This page focuses on Texas' 8th Congressional District Republican primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Democratic primary and the general election, see the following pages:

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list of candidates is unofficial. The filing deadline for this election has passed, and Ballotpedia is working to update this page with the official candidate list. This note will be removed once the official candidate list has been added.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 3, 2026.

Candidate
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Jay Fondren
Image of Brett Jensen
Brett Jensen
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Stephen Long
Image of Jessica Steinmann
Jessica Steinmann
Image of Nick Tran
Nick Tran Candidate Connection
Image of Deddrick Wilmer
Deddrick Wilmer

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Texas

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.


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.

Jessica Steinmann

Image of Jessica Steinmann

WebsiteFacebookX

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Steinmann received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from Baylor University. At the time of the election, she worked as the general counsel for the America First Policy Institute. She served as Director of the Office of Victims of Crime in the U.S. Department of Justice from 2020 to 2021. She previously worked for the office of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas House of Representatives, and the Harris County Republican Party.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Steinmann highlighted her legal experience as qualifying her for the office, saying she “led the charge in conservative fights.” She said, “From the courtroom to the Department of Justice, I have spent my life defending what makes this country great.”

Steinmann said she would focus on family-related policies and would “defend parental rights, protect children from radical agendas, and keep Texas a stronghold for faith, freedom, and traditional values.” She highlighted her work combating human trafficking and requiring transgender athletes to participate in sports based on their sex.

Steinmann said she would focus on election security. She highlighted her experience in election legislation and said she “helped draft Texas’s landmark election integrity law, which drew national attention” and “led lawsuits across the nation to protect election integrity.”

Steinmann said her appointment to the Department of Justice by President Trump highlighted her support of his agenda. She said, “I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump and the America First movement to secure our borders, defend our Constitution, and put American workers and families first.”

Show sources

Sources: Jessica Steinmann 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed November 2, 2025; Jessica Steinmann 2026 campaign website, "Jessica Hart Steinmann Announces Run for Congress," September 12, 2025; LinkedIn, "Jessica Hart Steinmann," accessed November 2, 2025; 

Nick Tran

Image of Nick Tran

WebsiteFacebookXYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Nick Tran is a Vietnam War refugee who escaped during the Fall of Saigon in April 1975. After enduring life in a refugee camp in Guam, he was granted political asylum and welcomed into the United States. Driven by a deep sense of gratitude to the Vietnam Veterans who fought for his freedom and to the nation that embraced him and his father during their darkest hour, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after high school, serving as a frontline soldier in Operation Desert Storm. Following his honorable discharge in 1991, Nick used his GI Bill to pursue a college education and embarked on a successful career in the corporate sector. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, reignited his desire to serve, prompting him to reenlist. In 2005, he volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and later for Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 13 years of dedicated service, Nick transitioned to a career in the oil and gas industry. Nick founded and spearheaded a global veteran program to help empower veterans to successfully get back on their feet and reintegrate back into society. The program helped SLB win the Military Friendly Employer designation for eight consecutive years. In 2024, Nick left the oil and gas industry to pursue entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Trident University International and a PLDA from Harvard Business School. Nick is married to Valarie Tran and has two young children, Miles and Genevieve."

Key Messages

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

SAFER: "I am dedicated to making Texas safer by supporting law enforcement, strengthening border security, and ensuring our communities are protected from crime and violence. I strongly support the Second Amendment: the only common sense gun law has already been written; it's called the 2A. It exists to keep the government in check, not its citizens."

MORE PROSPEROUS: "I am committed to working tirelessly to cultivate a robust economy that benefits every Texan. My focus will be on promoting job growth, supporting small businesses, and advocating for forward-thinking policies that foster innovation and attract investment in our great state. Drawing from my extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and in running a business, I firmly believe in the importance of America’s energy independence. My background in managing a profit and loss statement has equipped me with a strong understanding of financial literacy and the principles of responsible spending. This knowledge will guide my efforts to ensure that our economy not only survives but thrives, creating a prosperous future.

I have been a warrior all my life, and I am choosing to return to the fray to serve the only country to which I pledge allegiance and the one I love. I am not a career politician; I am a husband, father, combat veteran, and small business owner, and I am running to serve once more. To affirm my commitment, I offer the following pledges: 1. I will donate one-third of my salary to veteran causes and nonprofits dedicated to our heroes. 2. I will serve only two terms, as I believe in limiting the benefits associated with a congressional career. This commitment allows me to serve without adding an extra burden on taxpayers, as I already receive VA benefits for my service in three separate wars.

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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Nick Tran (R)

SAFER: "I am dedicated to making Texas safer by supporting law enforcement, strengthening border security, and ensuring our communities are protected from crime and violence. I strongly support the Second Amendment: the only common sense gun law has already been written; it's called the 2A. It exists to keep the government in check, not its citizens."

MORE PROSPEROUS: "I am committed to working tirelessly to cultivate a robust economy that benefits every Texan. My focus will be on promoting job growth, supporting small businesses, and advocating for forward-thinking policies that foster innovation and attract investment in our great state. Drawing from my extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and in running a business, I firmly believe in the importance of America’s energy independence. My background in managing a profit and loss statement has equipped me with a strong understanding of financial literacy and the principles of responsible spending. This knowledge will guide my efforts to ensure that our economy not only survives but thrives, creating a prosperous future.

I have been a warrior all my life, and I am choosing to return to the fray to serve the only country to which I pledge allegiance and the one I love.

I am not a career politician; I am a husband, father, combat veteran, and small business owner, and I am running to serve once more. To affirm my commitment, I offer the following pledges:

1. I will donate one-third of my salary to veteran causes and nonprofits dedicated to our heroes.

2. I will serve only two terms, as I believe in limiting the benefits associated with a congressional career. This commitment allows me to serve without adding an extra burden on taxpayers, as I already receive VA benefits for my service in three separate wars.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

Securing Our Nation: Borders, Infrastructure, and Safety

Defending Our Second Amendment Rights

Economic Prosperity

Parent’s Choice in Education

Energy Independence

End Unnecessary Wars

Pro-Cryptocurrency

Limit Government Overreach
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

As a strong conservative committed to the principles of Trump's America First policy, I believe the most vital characteristics of an elected official are integrity, accountability, and an unwavering dedication to serving the people.

In District 2, a community that values conservative principles, it is essential to champion the ideals that resonate with our citizens—prioritizing their needs, securing our borders, and supporting our law enforcement.

As an effective leader, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to transparency and responsible governance, ensuring that every decision reflects the best interests of the constituents I represent.

I firmly believe in the principle of 'promises made, promises kept,' and I am ready to channel this unwavering dedication into the fight for our community, Texas, and our cherished nation.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office encompass a commitment to serving the constituents with integrity and transparency.

First and foremost, it is essential to listen to the voices of the community and advocate for their needs, ensuring that their concerns are addressed in all legislative actions.

Additionally, an elected official must prioritize the security and well-being of the district by supporting policies that protect our borders and reinforce our power infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy for our citizens.

Effective representation also involves managing resources wisely; this means understanding how to balance budgets responsibly and making informed decisions that promote economic growth.

Moreover, an elected official should work to foster collaboration, building strong relationships with local leaders, organizations, and citizens to create a united front in addressing the challenges we face.

Ultimately, the role requires a steadfast dedication to upholding the values and principles that define our community and our great state.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

The U.S. House of Representatives is a distinctive institution, characterized by its direct representation of the American populace. With members elected to serve specific congressional districts, it fosters a vital connection between representatives and their constituents, ensuring that a diverse array of voices and perspectives can be heard. The larger membership of the House facilitates dynamic debate and discussion, essential for tackling the complex challenges our nation faces. As a staunch conservative, I deeply appreciate this diversity while steadfastly upholding the principles that resonate with my constituents—fiscal responsibility, national security, and personal freedom. The House’s unique ability to reflect the will of the people, combined with its capacity for robust discourse, positions it as a crucial forum for advancing policies that strengthen our communities and uphold the values we hold dear.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

While previous experience in government or politics can offer some advantages, I strongly oppose the notion of career politicians. I believe that fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds are essential for effective representation. My own journey—shaped by military service, corporate experience, and entrepreneurial ventures—has equipped me with valuable insights into the challenges faced by everyday citizens. Having representatives who come from various walks of life can bring real-world understanding and practical solutions to the table. While experience can aid in navigating the complexities of governance, it is crucial that our elected officials remain connected to their constituents and prioritize their needs over personal ambitions or political entrenchment. Ultimately, I believe that a commitment to serve, rather than a career in politics, should be the primary qualification for anyone seeking to represent the people.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

Over the next decade, I perceive the United States will face several significant challenges that require decisive leadership and a commitment to our core values.

First, economic stability will be paramount as we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic economy, including inflation, job growth, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. We must prioritize policies that promote economic prosperity for all, support small businesses, and ensure a robust job market.

Second, national security remains a critical concern. We must address threats from abroad while reinforcing our border security to protect our sovereignty. Ensuring the safety of our citizens and maintaining our military readiness are essential in an increasingly volatile world.

Third, social division poses a challenge to our unity as a nation. It is vital to foster dialogue and understanding among diverse communities while promoting policies that uplift and empower all Americans.

Lastly, we must confront the challenges of government accountability and transparency, ensuring that elected officials prioritize the needs of their constituents and adhere to the principle of "promises made, promises kept." By addressing these challenges head-on, we can build a stronger, more resilient nation for future generations.
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Nick Tran (R)

Yes. See my pledge to only serve two terms.
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Nick Tran (R)

I strongly support term limits as a fundamental principle for ensuring fresh perspectives and accountability in government. Implementing term limits encourages elected officials to focus on serving their constituents rather than becoming entrenched in office. It allows for the infusion of new ideas and energy, ultimately benefiting the community.

Term limits also promote a healthier political environment by reducing the likelihood of complacency and self-interest among long-serving politicians. By limiting the time someone can hold a position, we create opportunities for more citizens to engage in public service.

As I have pledged to serve only two terms, I believe this commitment not only reflects my dedication to accountability but also aligns with the principle that elected officials should prioritize the needs of their constituents over personal ambitions.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

Donald J. Trump, Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth, Dan Bongino, Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and Josh Hawley
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Nick Tran (R)

Dan Crenshaw gets reelected in 2026.
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Nick Tran (R)

Yes, I believe that while compromise can be necessary in policymaking, it should not come at the expense of core conservative principles. As a strong conservative, I prioritize the values that resonate with my constituents, such as fiscal responsibility, national security, and personal freedom.

Compromise should be viewed as a tool for achieving practical solutions rather than a means to dilute our principles. It’s essential to engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground, but we must remain steadfast in defending the ideals that define our vision for America.

True progress comes from crafting policies that uphold our conservative values while addressing the needs of our community. Ultimately, any compromise must serve to strengthen, not weaken, the foundational beliefs that guide our nation.
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Nick Tran (R)

If elected, the power of originating revenue bills in the House would play a crucial role in my priorities as a representative. I firmly believe in fiscal responsibility and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed wisely. By having the authority to initiate revenue bills, I would prioritize policies that promote economic growth, support small businesses, and ensure a fair tax system that benefits our constituents. This responsibility also empowers me to advocate for transparency in government spending, ensuring that every dollar collected is used effectively to serve the needs of our community. I would work to eliminate wasteful expenditures and focus on funding initiatives that reinforce our values, such as national security and infrastructure development. Ultimately, my aim would be to create a budget that reflects the priorities of the people I represent, fostering a thriving environment for all Texans while upholding the principles of accountability and responsible governance.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Nick_Tran.jpg

Nick Tran (R)

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to uphold accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. As a representative, I believe these powers are essential for examining government actions, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and holding officials accountable for their decisions. Investigations should focus on areas where there are concerns about misconduct, inefficiency, or violations of the public trust. I would advocate for investigations that prioritize the needs and concerns of our constituents, addressing issues such as government waste, national security threats, and the effectiveness of policies that impact our communities. Additionally, the House should conduct thorough inquiries into matters that affect the safety and well-being of the American people, such as border security and infrastructure resilience. Ultimately, using investigative powers responsibly will help restore faith in government and ensure that it serves the interests of the people.
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Nick Tran (R)

Many
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Nick Tran (R)

Homeland Security Committee, Small Business Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee. Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Armed Services Committee.
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Nick Tran (R)

I firmly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are cornerstones of effective governance. Citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and it is essential for elected officials to operate with complete openness. This not only builds trust but also fosters an environment where responsible budgeting and resource allocation can thrive. Government accountability means taking responsibility for decisions and actions, ensuring that officials are answerable to the constituents they serve. By promoting a culture of transparency, we can empower citizens to engage meaningfully in the political process and hold their leaders accountable. In my commitment to serving the people, I will advocate for policies that enhance transparency in government spending and decision-making, ensuring that every action reflects the best interests of our community and upholds the values we cherish.



Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Jessica Steinmann

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jessica Steinmann while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.


Republican Party Nick Tran


The American Dream

View more ads here:


Endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.


Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.

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.[11]
  • 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.[12][13][14]

Race ratings: Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
12/23/202512/16/202512/9/202512/2/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe 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.

Campaign finance

Candidate spending

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Jay Fondren Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Brett Jensen Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Stephen Long Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Jessica Steinmann Republican Party $627,225 $9,473 $617,752 As of September 30, 2025
Nick Tran Republican Party $118,063 $106,101 $11,962 As of September 30, 2025
Deddrick Wilmer Republican Party $46,032 $26,396 $19,636 As of September 30, 2025

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.


Satellite spending

See also: Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[15][16][17]

If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.

By candidate By election

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.


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

2023_01_03_tx_congressional_district_08.jpg

2026

2027_01_03_tx_congressional_district_08.jpg
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+16. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 16 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Texas' 8th the 61st most Republican district nationally.[18]

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' 8th Congressional District
Kamala Harris Democratic Party Donald Trump Republican Party
39.3% 58.8%

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 Republican Party Greg Abbott
Lieutenant Governor Republican Party Dan Patrick
Secretary of State Republican Party Jane Nelson
Attorney General Republican Party 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

District election history

2024

See also: Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2024

Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)

Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 8

Incumbent Morgan Luttrell defeated Laura Jones in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 8 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Morgan Luttrell
Morgan Luttrell (R)
 
68.2
 
233,423
Image of Laura Jones
Laura Jones (D)
 
31.8
 
108,754

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 342,177
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

Laura Jones advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Laura Jones
Laura Jones
 
100.0
 
14,390

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 14,390
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

Incumbent Morgan Luttrell advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Morgan Luttrell
Morgan Luttrell
 
100.0
 
69,419

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 69,419
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 8

No candidate advanced from the convention.

Candidate
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Chase Cameron (L)

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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2022

See also: Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 8

Morgan Luttrell defeated Laura Jones and Roy Eriksen in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 8 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Morgan Luttrell
Morgan Luttrell (R) Candidate Connection
 
68.1
 
153,127
Image of Laura Jones
Laura Jones (D)
 
30.5
 
68,715
Image of Roy Eriksen
Roy Eriksen (L)
 
1.4
 
3,126

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 224,968
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

Laura Jones advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Laura Jones
Laura Jones
 
100.0
 
14,496

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 14,496
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Morgan Luttrell
Morgan Luttrell Candidate Connection
 
52.1
 
34,271
Image of Christian Collins
Christian Collins Candidate Connection
 
22.3
 
14,659
Image of Jonathan Hullihan
Jonathan Hullihan Candidate Connection
 
12.6
 
8,296
Image of Dan McKaughan
Dan McKaughan Candidate Connection
 
2.4
 
1,585
Image of Jessica Wellington
Jessica Wellington Candidate Connection
 
2.4
 
1,550
Image of Candice C. Burrows
Candice C. Burrows
 
2.3
 
1,519
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Chuck Montgomery Candidate Connection
 
1.8
 
1,169
Image of Mike Philips
Mike Philips Candidate Connection
 
1.3
 
871
Image of Jonathan Mitchell
Jonathan Mitchell Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
791
Image of Betsy Bates
Betsy Bates Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
712
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Taylor Whichard Candidate Connection
 
0.4
 
295

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 65,718
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 8

Roy Eriksen advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 19, 2022.

Candidate
✔
Image of Roy Eriksen
Roy Eriksen (L)

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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2020

See also: Texas' 8th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 8

Incumbent Kevin Brady defeated Elizabeth Hernandez and Chris Duncan in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 8 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kevin Brady
Kevin Brady (R)
 
72.5
 
277,327
Image of Elizabeth Hernandez
Elizabeth Hernandez (D) Candidate Connection
 
25.5
 
97,409
Image of Chris Duncan
Chris Duncan (L) Candidate Connection
 
2.0
 
7,735

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 382,471
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

Elizabeth Hernandez defeated Laura Jones in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Elizabeth Hernandez
Elizabeth Hernandez Candidate Connection
 
59.8
 
18,660
Image of Laura Jones
Laura Jones Candidate Connection
 
40.2
 
12,519

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 31,179
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8

Incumbent Kevin Brady defeated Kirk Osborn and Melissa Esparza-Mathis in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kevin Brady
Kevin Brady
 
80.7
 
75,044
Image of Kirk Osborn
Kirk Osborn
 
16.2
 
15,048
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Melissa Esparza-Mathis
 
3.1
 
2,860

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 92,952
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 8

Chris Duncan advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 8 on March 21, 2020.

Candidate
✔
Image of Chris Duncan
Chris Duncan (L) Candidate Connection

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Earlier results


Ballot access requirements

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 2/13/2026 Source


2026 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This is a battleground election. Other 2026 battleground elections include:

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jessica Steinmann 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed November 2, 2025
  2. ↑ Maverick PAC, "Jessica Hart Steinmann - Class of 2017," accessed November 2, 2025
  3. ↑ LinkedIn, "Jessica Hart Steinmann," accessed November 2, 2025
  4. ↑ Facebook, "Jessica Hart Steinmann on September 22, 2025," accessed November 2, 2025
  5. ↑ Facebook, "Jessica Hart Steinmann on October 14, 2025," accessed November 2, 2025
  6. ↑ Jessica Hart Steinmann on September 16, 2025," accessed November 2, 2025
  7. ↑ Nick Tran 2026 campaign website, "About Me," accessed November 2, 2025
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Nick Tran 2026 campaign website, "Political Priorities," accessed November 2, 2025
  9. ↑ X, "Nick Tran on October 13, 2025," accessed November 2, 2025
  10. ↑ Facebook, "Nick Tran for Congress on October 23, 2025," accessed November 2, 2025
  11. ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  12. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  13. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  14. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  15. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
  16. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
  17. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
  18. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025
  19. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed December 15, 2015
  20. ↑ The New York Times, "Texas Primary Results," March 1, 2016
  21. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Texas," November 6, 2012
  22. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  23. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  24. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  25. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  26. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  27. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
  28. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
  29. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 8, 1994," accessed March 28, 2013
  30. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1992," accessed March 28, 2013
  31. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 1990," accessed March 28, 2013


Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
John Cornyn (R)
Ted Cruz (R)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
Al Green (D)
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
Vacant
District 19
District 20
District 21
Chip Roy (R)
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
District 29
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
Republican Party (27)
Democratic Party (12)
Vacancies (1)


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