National Democrats are preparing to invest heavily in Texas state legislative races as part of a broader strategy to regain power in Washington D.C. This comes after Texas lawmakers last year approved plans redrawing the state’s congressional districts following President Donald Trump’s direction.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) has designated Texas as a key spending target, earmarking roughly $50 million for the 2026 election cycle. While a full flip of the Texas House – currently controlled by Republicans with a 26-seat majority – is considered unlikely, Democrats are focusing resources on five GOP-held seats, including two in the San Antonio area.
One key race is in Texas House District 121, stretching from Alamo Heights to Bulverde, where Republican incumbent Marc LaHood is seeking reelection and facing a primary challenge. The winner of that primary will face Zack Dunn, a prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney’s office.
Another targeted district is Texas House District 118, on San Antonio’s South Side. Republicans are working to hold the seat previously held by John Lujan, who is now running for Congress. The Republican primary winner will face Democrat Kristian Carranza.
The DLCC is collaborating with the campaign arm of the Texas House’s Democratic caucus to prioritize spending within the larger, nationally-funded budget. State Rep. Christina Morales (D-Houston), chair of the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee, stated that the urgency to win seats in the Texas Legislature has increased as the body’s actions have greater implications for national politics.
Currently, Republicans control the White House, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats see flipping the U.S. House – requiring a net gain of just three or four seats in the 2026 midterm elections – as their most viable path to slowing the GOP agenda. However, nationwide, Democrats face a limited number of potential targets due to redistricting efforts led by Republican legislatures following the 2020 Census.
Last year, the Texas legislature further altered the political map by redrawing district lines, creating five potential pickup opportunities for the GOP in seats previously held by Democrats. Lawmakers are now discussing another potential round of redistricting in the 2027 session, potentially solidifying Republican majorities.
Morales emphasized the importance of protecting against further redistricting efforts, stating, “We suppose about the congressional seats, but what are they going to do to our seats in the state House and in the Senate? The [Texas] House controls those district lines… Everybody should be concerned about that.”
Texas Democrats have unveiled a $30 million coordinated campaign to support candidates at all levels of government in 2026, targeting the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat, and numerous other positions. House District 118 has been identified as a key battleground, due to its role in both state and national politics. The district, previously a Democratic stronghold, was flipped to Republican in recent elections and is entirely contained within the new 35th Congressional District, a majority-Hispanic district that both parties are targeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DLCC?
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee seeks to elect Democratic majorities in state legislatures across the country.
How much money is the DLCC planning to spend in Texas?
The DLCC has added Texas to its list of spending targets with roughly $50 million to spend in 2026.
Which districts are Democrats targeting in San Antonio?
Democrats are targeting Texas House District 118 and Texas House District 121, both of which include portions of San Antonio.
As Democrats focus on Texas, what impact might increased national attention and funding have on the state’s political landscape?
