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Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2026

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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' 20th Congressional District
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
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 Democratic
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Solid Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Texas' 20th Congressional District
U.S. Senate1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th13th14th15th16th17th18th19th20th21st22nd23rd24th25th26th27th28th29th30th31st32nd33rd34th35th36th37th38th
Texas elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

All U.S. House districts, including the 20th Congressional District of Texas, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. The primary was March 3, 2026, and a primary runoff is May 26, 2026. The filing deadline was December 8, 2025. The outcome of this race will affect the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 120th Congress. All 435 U.S. House districts are up for election.

Currently, Republicans have a 218-214 majority with three vacancies in the chamber.[1] To read more about the U.S. House elections taking place this year, click here. For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

Candidates and election results

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro, Edgardo Baez, and Anthony Tristan are running in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro (D)
Image of Edgardo Baez
Edgardo Baez (R) Candidate Connection
Image of Anthony Tristan
Anthony Tristan (Independent)

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 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro defeated Kendra Wilkerson and John Atwood in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2026.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro
 
88.1
 
57,920
Image of Kendra Wilkerson
Kendra Wilkerson
 
9.4
 
6,165
Image of John Atwood
John Atwood
 
2.5
 
1,624

Total votes: 65,709
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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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Edgardo Baez advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2026.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Edgardo Baez
Edgardo Baez Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
9,196

Total votes: 9,196
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.

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.

Image of Edgardo Baez

WebsiteFacebookXYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography "My name is Edgardo Rafael Baez, and I was born and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I have been a public servant with over 30 years of public service ranging from military, medical, and legal services. I am a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and patriot. I have written several books that explore my diverse experiences across these fields, sharing insights I've gained over the years. My military background taught me the value of discipline and leadership, while my time in the medical field showed me the importance of compassion and care in every aspect of life. As a legal professional, I've dedicated myself to upholding justice and serving my community with integrity. In my books, I aim to inspire others by weaving together stories from my career and personal journey, offering perspectives on resilience, faith, and the pursuit of one's calling. Each chapter delves into lessons learned, whether on the battlefield, in a courtroom, or within the walls of my own home. Alongside my professional life, my faith and family remain my pillars. Being a husband, father, and grandfather enriches my life immeasurably and provides unwavering support and motivation in everything I do. It's a blessing to watch my family grow and to witness the values I've cherished being passed on to the next generations."


Key Messages

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


Proven Dedication: With over 30 years of public service spanning military, medical, and legal fields, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to serving and improving our community. My extensive experience equips me with the leadership and compassion needed to address the challenges we face.


Family and Values-Oriented: As a Christian, husband, father, and grandfather, I am deeply rooted in family values. I believe in promoting policies that foster strong communities and support families, ensuring a brighter future for all generations.


Passionate Advocate: My love for our country fuels my dedication to our people. As your candidate, I am committed to advocating for our rights, preserving our culture, and driving positive change to benefit every resident of the 20th Congressional District of Texas.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Texas

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

What is the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: Oct. 5, 2026
  • By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 5, 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: Oct. 23, 2026
  • By mail: Received by Oct. 23, 2026
  • Online: N/A

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

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

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 19, 2026 to Oct. 30, 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)

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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Proven Dedication: With over 30 years of public service spanning military, medical, and legal fields, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to serving and improving our community. My extensive experience equips me with the leadership and compassion needed to address the challenges we face.

Family and Values-Oriented: As a Christian, husband, father, and grandfather, I am deeply rooted in family values. I believe in promoting policies that foster strong communities and support families, ensuring a brighter future for all generations.

Passionate Advocate: My love for our country fuels my dedication to our people. As your candidate, I am committed to advocating for our rights, preserving our culture, and driving positive change to benefit every resident of the 20th Congressional District of Texas.
With a military background, I am dedicated to ensuring veterans receive the respect, support, and benefits they deserve. He advocates for comprehensive healthcare, educational opportunities, and employment assistance for veterans.

Drawing from my experience in the medical field, I prioritize improving healthcare access and quality. I support policies that make healthcare competitive and accessible, ensuring that everyone receives the care they need.

As a legal professional, I am committed to upholding justice and expanding legal rights. I advocate for fair legal processes and reforms to address systemic deficiencies.

I value strong family units and community support systems.
On Conservatism: Book "The Conservative Mind" by Russell Kirk. This book traces the development of conservative thought and highlights its intellectual underpinnings. Essay: "Reflections on the Revolution in France" by Edmund Burke provides a foundation for understanding conservative skepticism of radical change.
Elected officials should embody several key characteristics and principles to effectively serve the public. First and foremost: Integrity. Honesty and ethical conduct are paramount. An elected official should uphold strong moral principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions.

Next: Empathy. Understanding and valuing diverse perspectives help in addressing the needs and concerns of all constituents. Empathy fosters trust and meaningful connections with the community.

Equally important: Leadership. Effective leaders inspire and mobilize others toward common goals. They possess the courage to make tough decisions and remain committed to their vision.

Next: Accountability. Taking responsibility for actions and decisions is crucial. Elected officials must be willing to own their successes and failures, adapting as needed.

Equally important: Communication. Clear and open communication is vital for building trust and conveying ideas. Effective communicators listen actively and ensure constituents are informed and involved.

An imperative: Commitment to Public Service. A genuine dedication to serving the public interest over personal gain is essential for making decisions that benefit the community.

Elected officials should possess foresight and the ability to plan for the long-term health and prosperity of their communities, adapting to changes and challenges. The ability to withstand pressures, challenges, and setbacks while staying focused on objectives is crucial in a dynamic political environment.

These characteristics and principles help ensure that elected officials address their constituents' needs and act in the public's best interest.
Being honest and transparent helps in building trust with constituents and colleagues. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with the public's best interests in mind.

An effective officeholder communicates clearly with constituents, fellow lawmakers, and the media. This helps in articulating their vision, policies, and responding to concerns.

A genuine desire to serve and improve the community is essential. This commitment drives an officeholder to work tirelessly for their constituents.

The ability to analyze complex issues, think critically, and develop practical solutions is crucial in addressing legislative challenges.

Understanding the diverse needs of constituents is key. Active listening and empathy help in addressing their concerns effectively.

Working well with others, including those across the aisle, is important for building coalitions and passing legislation.

Dedication and perseverance are necessary to navigate the often demanding workload and long hours of a congressional office.

Having a clear vision for the future and the ability to inspire others to work towards common goals is vital for effective governance.

Politics can be unpredictable. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and recover from setbacks is important for continued success.

Prioritizing the needs and voices of the community ensures that actions taken in office reflect the will and welfare of those represented.

Since I embody these qualities, they can contribute to my ability to serve effectively in Congress, representing my constituents with dedication and integrity.
Crafting, debating, and voting on laws at the federal level. They introduce and review bills, amendments, and resolutions, aiming to address the nation's issues and needs.

Acting on behalf of their constituents, members of Congress advocate for the interests and concerns of the people from their district or state. They listen to their constituents to reflect their preferences in decision-making.

Congress holds the "power of the purse," meaning they are responsible for creating and approving the federal budget. This includes allocating funds to various government agencies, programs, and initiatives.

Overseeing the executive branch's implementation of laws. Congress checks on executive agencies and departments, ensuring laws are correctly and fairly enforced.

Particularly for the Senate, this involves approving presidential appointments (e.g., judges, cabinet members) and ratifying treaties. The Senate holds hearings to review and confirm appointees and ensure treaties serve national interests.

Addressing specific needs and concerns of individual constituents, such as helping navigate federal programs or cutting through bureaucratic red tape. Members often have dedicated staff to assist with these matters.

The House has the authority to impeach federal officials, including the President, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." If this occurs, the Senate conducts the trial to determine the official's removal.

Proposing constitutional amendments, although this is less common and requires a two-thirds majority in both houses before going to the states for ratification.

These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a balanced and responsive federal government, ensuring that laws and policies reflect the will and welfare of the American people.
The U.S. House of Representatives is a unique institution with several distinct qualities that set it apart from other legislative bodies, both within the United States and around the world.

The House's representation is based on population, with larger states having more representatives. This ensures that the interests of heavily populated areas are adequately represented.

Representatives serve two-year terms, which injects a sense of urgency and responsiveness to the constituents' needs. This frequent election cycle holds members accountable and keeps the House closely aligned with public opinion.

The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue-raising bills, such as taxation legislation. This power underscores its role as the chamber most directly accountable to the electorate, given its shorter terms and broader representation.

The House has the authority to impeach federal officials, including the President. Impeachment is the first step in a two-part process (the Senate conducts the trial and votes on conviction) to remove an official from office for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

The House has stricter rules and procedures for debate compared to the Senate, where individual senators have more leeway. This structure is necessary due to the House's larger size, enabling it to function efficiently.

Given its size and the frequency of elections, the House often exhibits strong partisanship, reflecting the changing political sentiments across the country. This dynamic can lead to vibrant debates and rapid swings in political control.

Because it represents a wide array of districts, the House tends to have a diverse membership in terms of perspectives, backgrounds, and constituencies. This diversity enriches the legislative process by bringing varied issues and concerns to the forefront.
Experienced politicians may be more entrenched in the existing system and resist innovative approaches or fail to consider fresh perspectives. Long-standing political ties and obligations might make it harder for experienced representatives to remain impartial or open to bipartisan solutions.

Seasoned politicians might be viewed as part of the "establishment" or status quo, which might not resonate with voters seeking change. Those with experience might sometimes become complacent or overconfident, potentially leading to missed opportunities for growth or advancement in their role.

Fresh faces without prior governmental experience can bring innovative ideas, enthusiasm, and perspectives that might be lacking in seasoned politicians. They may better represent constituents desiring new directions or change.

Ultimately, whether previous political experience is beneficial can depend on the individual's aptitude, ability to learn, and drive to serve effectively. Voters typically weigh these factors, considering the candidate's overall vision, values, and capacity to address the issues that matter most to them.
Increasing political division is a major challenge. Extremes on both ends can hinder effective governance and compromise, potentially affecting everything from passing legislation to foreign policy. Finding common ground and promoting civil discourse will be crucial.

Rapid advances in technology present both opportunities and challenges. The U.S. must address issues like data privacy, cybersecurity, the ethical use of AI, and the impact of automation on jobs.

Maintaining a stable role on the global stage amidst rising powers like China and geopolitical tensions requires smart diplomacy and strategic partnerships. This involves addressing trade, military alliances, and human rights concerns.

Aging infrastructure needs urgent attention. From transportation to digital networks, investments are essential to support economic growth and improve quality of life.
Shorter terms mean representatives must frequently seek reelection, encouraging them to stay closely engaged with their constituents' concerns and priorities.

This term length allows for more frequent turnover, reflecting shifts in public opinion and ensuring that the House remains a dynamic body that can adapt to changing political landscapes.

Regular elections keep representatives accountable, as they must consistently demonstrate effectiveness and commitment to their roles to secure votes.
Term limits can prevent career politicians from holding power indefinitely, ensuring that new voices and ideas have the opportunity to influence government. This can be seen as a way to keep the political system dynamic and responsive to current concerns.

By limiting the time officials can serve, the incentive for entrenchment and corruption may be reduced. Politicians might be less likely to focus on self-preservation and more on serving the public interest during their tenure.

Term limits can increase accountability by creating a sense of urgency for elected officials to fulfill their campaign promises and make significant progress within a finite time. This can align well with conservative views on responsible governance.

With term limits, the development of a class of entrenched political elites may be less likely. This could help ensure that elected offices are more accessible to a broader range of candidates, promoting a government that better reflects the diversity of its constituents.

Term limits can be a safeguard against the concentration of power, ensuring no single individual or group retains excessive influence over an extended period. This can help maintain a balance of power and uphold democratic principles.
Paul Ryan. As the Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019, Ryan focused on fiscal conservatism, including efforts to reform tax policy and healthcare. His passion for policy detail and efforts to address complex budgetary issues.
In the heart of San Antonio, in a modest neighborhood filled with diverse cultural influences, lived Maria Gonzalez. Maria was a single mother of two young children, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Her days were long, filled with early morning shifts at a local diner and late nights cleaning offices. Despite her struggles, Maria was determined to build a better life for her children, to provide opportunities she had never had growing up.

One day, at the local community center, Maria learned about a program offering free coding classes funded by a community grant. Intrigued yet apprehensive, she decided to sign up. Maria had always been a quick learner, but technology seemed daunting. She attended classes after her shifts, tired but resolute, driven by the hope of forging a new path.

The community center quickly became a second home for Maria. The mentors there not only taught her to code but also inspired confidence in her abilities. They encouraged Maria and her peers to collaborate on small projects to apply their learning. Her children sometimes accompanied her to the center, and seeing their mother’s dedication left a powerful impression on them.

As months passed, Maria not only completed the program but excelled at it. The center helped secure her an internship at a local tech company. Maria’s hard work and perseverance soon led to a full-time position. This new job brought not only financial stability but also the fulfillment of achieving something she once thought impossible.

Inspired by their mother, Maria's children thrived in school, developing a love for learning and aspiration. The family’s renewed hope and determination had a ripple effect in their community. Maria began volunteering at the community center, empowering others to pursue their dreams, showing them that with determination and the right support, transformation was possible.
Compromise is often seen as both necessary and desirable in policymaking, mainly because it helps balance diverse viewpoints and interests, leading to more sustainable and widely accepted solutions.

Compromise allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives, which is essential in a democratic society where varied interests and opinions coexist. By negotiating and finding middle ground, policymakers can craft legislation that resonates with a broader segment of the population.

Policies formed through compromise are often more stable because they have broader support. This broad consensus can lead to lasting solutions that are less likely to be overturned with changes in administration or legislative majority.

Working to find a compromise can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered in a one-sided approach. The negotiation process encourages creativity in tackling complex issues, potentially leading to better outcomes.
The constitutional requirement that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives plays a crucial role in shaping your priorities if elected. This requirement underscores the House's pivotal responsibility in financial governance, reflecting its close connection to constituents, who regularly vote on its members.

As a House member, I have the responsibility and privilege of directly influencing tax policies and federal budget decisions. This allows me to ensure that your constituents' needs and priorities are reflected in national fiscal policy. My focus can be on creating equitable and sustainable fiscal policies that benefit my district, particularly in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

With the power to propose revenue bills, I can prioritize economic initiatives that foster growth and create jobs within your district. I might focus on tax incentives for small businesses, investments in local industries, or funding for technological advancement and training programs.

Holding this power means I can advocate for responsible budgeting and spending. I have the opportunity to scrutinize and guide proposals to ensure they align with long-term economic stability. I could prioritize transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and spent, promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

By originating revenue bills, I can respond directly to the specific needs of my district. Whether it's funding for local schools, infrastructure projects, or healthcare facilities, I have a direct hand in crafting legislation that secures necessary resources for my community.
The House should use its investigative powers to hold the government accountable. This includes overseeing federal agencies, ensuring they adhere to the law, and scrutinizing their operations for efficiency and effectiveness. By investigating potential misuse of power or resources, the House can help prevent corruption and protect taxpayer dollars.

Investigations can provide valuable insights into existing laws and policies, revealing gaps or inefficiencies. This understanding enables lawmakers to propose tweaks or reforms to improve legislation, aligning it more closely with public needs and priorities.

Investigations should be conducted impartially, focusing on facts and evidence rather than political gain. A non-partisan approach helps maintain the integrity of investigations and ensures that they serve the public interest rather than partisan agendas.

While the House has its own investigative authority, it should collaborate with other branches of government, as appropriate, to enhance the effectiveness of its investigations. This collaboration can lead to more comprehensive findings and solutions.

Investigations should lead to concrete actions, whether through new legislation, policy changes, or recommendations for further inquiry by relevant authorities. This ensures that the efforts made in investigations translate into positive changes.
Judiciary Committee; Armed Services Committee; Homeland Security Committee; Education and the Workforce Committee.
As a conservative, I value financial transparency as a means to ensure that government spending is responsible and prudent. Transparency can support the idea that taxpayers' money should be spent efficiently and lead to less waste.

I advocate for a smaller, less intrusive government. Financial transparency aligns with this view by serving as a tool to limit government overreach and ensure that public funds are not used to expand government unnecessarily.

Government accountability can resonate with conservative principles of personal responsibility and integrity. Holding government officials accountable ensures they act ethically and effectively, mirroring the expectation that individuals take responsibility for their actions.


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
Joaquin Castro Democratic Party $286,271 $343,028 $81,901 As of February 11, 2026
John Atwood Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Kendra Wilkerson Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Edgardo Baez Republican Party $31,346 $27,073 $4,272 As of February 11, 2026
Anthony Tristan Independent $0 $0 $0 As of December 31, 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.

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.[2]
  • 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.[3][4][5]

Race ratings: Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
3/17/20263/10/20263/3/20262/24/2026
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe Democratic
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

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


District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) won election in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro (D)
 
100.0
 
157,890

Total votes: 157,890
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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro
 
100.0
 
25,018

Total votes: 25,018
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

The Republican primary scheduled for March 5, 2024, was canceled.

Libertarian Party convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 20

Pat Dixon (L) advanced from the Libertarian Party convention for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 16, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Pat Dixon
Pat Dixon

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.

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) defeated Kyle Sinclair (R) and Adam Jonasz (Independent) in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro (D)
 
68.4
 
115,352
Image of Kyle Sinclair
Kyle Sinclair (R)
 
31.6
 
53,226
Image of Adam Jonasz
Adam Jonasz (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
21

Total votes: 168,599
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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro
 
100.0
 
33,214

Total votes: 33,214
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

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Kyle Sinclair (R) advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Kyle Sinclair
Kyle Sinclair
 
100.0
 
15,938

Total votes: 15,938
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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) defeated Mauro Garza (R) and Jeffrey Blunt (L) in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro (D)
 
64.7
 
175,078
Image of Mauro Garza
Mauro Garza (R)  Candidate Connection
 
33.1
 
89,628
Image of Jeffrey Blunt
Jeffrey Blunt (L)
 
2.2
 
6,017

Total votes: 270,723
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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary runoff

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 20

Mauro Garza (R) defeated Gary Allen (R) in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 20 on July 14, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mauro Garza
Mauro Garza  Candidate Connection
 
60.1
 
7,162
Image of Gary Allen
Gary Allen  Candidate Connection
 
39.9
 
4,762

Total votes: 11,924
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) defeated Justin Lecea (D) and Rob Hostetler (D) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joaquin Castro
Joaquin Castro
 
92.1
 
61,861
Image of Justin Lecea
Justin Lecea  Candidate Connection
 
4.5
 
3,047
Rob Hostetler
 
3.4
 
2,252

Total votes: 67,160
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Mauro Garza (R) and Gary Allen (R) advanced to a runoff. They defeated Dominick Dina (R), Anita Kegley (R), and Tammy Orta (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mauro Garza
Mauro Garza  Candidate Connection
 
33.3
 
7,720
Image of Gary Allen
Gary Allen  Candidate Connection
 
26.9
 
6,230
Image of Dominick Dina
Dominick Dina  Candidate Connection
 
22.6
 
5,242
Image of Anita Kegley
Anita Kegley  Candidate Connection
 
9.5
 
2,210
Image of Tammy Orta
Tammy Orta  Candidate Connection
 
7.7
 
1,786

Total votes: 23,188
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian Party convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 20

Jeffrey Blunt (L) advanced from the Libertarian Party convention for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 21, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Jeffrey Blunt
Jeffrey Blunt

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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_020.jpg

2026

2027_01_03_tx_congressional_district_020.jpg
See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Texas.

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Texas in 2026. Information below was calculated on Dec. 8, 2025, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Two hundred fifty-two candidates — 98 Democrats and 154 Republicans — ran for Texas’ 38 U.S. House districts. That’s 6.6 candidates per district. There were 4.2 candidates per district in 2024, 5.8 in 2022, 6.4 in 2020, 5.9 in 2018, 3.5 in 2016, and 2.8 in 2014.

These were the first elections to take place since the Texas Legislature passed a new congressional map. The Texas House of Representatives passed it on Aug. 20, 2025, and the Texas Senate passed it on Aug. 23, 2025. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed the new congressional map into law on Aug. 29, 2025.

This was the highest total number of candidates who ran for the U.S. House since 2014.

Ten districts were open in 2026. There were three districts open in 2024, six in 2022, six in 2020, eight in 2018, two in 2016, and one in 2014. 

Reps. Morgan Luttrell (R-8th), Michael McCaul (R-10th), Jodey Arrington (R-19th), Troy Nehls (R-22nd), Marc Veasey (D-33rd), and Lloyd Doggett (D-37th) retired from public office. Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-30th) and Wesley Hunt (R-38th) ran for the U.S. Senate. Rep. Chip Roy (R-21st) ran for attorney general of Texas.

Two incumbents — Reps. Christian Menefee (D) and Al Green (D) — ran against each other in the redrawn 18th district. Menefee was the incumbent in the 18th district, and Green was the incumbent in the 9th district.

Fifty-nine primaries — 32 Democratic and 28 Republican — were contested in 2026. In total, there were 39 contested primaries in 2024, 44 in 2022, 50 in 2020, 46 in 2018, 33 in 2016, and 19 in 2014.

Fifteen candidates ran for the open 9th district, 21st district, and 35th district, tying for the most candidates running for a district in 2026.

Nineteen incumbents — eight Democrats and 11 Republicans — faced primary challengers in 2026. There were 19 incumbents in a contested primary in 2024, 19 in 2022, 18 in 2020, 15 in 2018, 19 in 2016, and 12 in 2014.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all 38 districts, meaning no districts were guaranteed to either party.

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 D+12. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 12 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made Texas' 20th the 110th most Democratic district nationally.[6]

2024 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' 20th Congressional District
Kamala Harris Democratic PartyDonald Trump Republican Party
68.7%28.8%

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 February 2026.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Texas
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 0 13 13
Republican 2 25 27
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
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
OfficeOfficeholder
GovernorRepublican Party Greg Abbott
Lieutenant GovernorRepublican Party Dan Patrick
Secretary of StateRepublican Party Jane Nelson
Attorney GeneralRepublican Party Ken Paxton

State legislature

Texas State Senate

Party As of March 2026
     Democratic Party 12
     Republican Party 18
     Other 0
     Vacancies 1
Total 31

Texas House of Representatives

Party As of March 2026
     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

See also

Texas 2026 primaries 2026 U.S. Congress elections
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Voting in Texas
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External links

Footnotes

  1. A majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, when there are no vacancies, is 218 seats.
  2. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  3. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  4. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  5. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  6. Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025


Senators
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
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 (13)