Why Runoff Elections Matter — And Why Democrats Must Turn Out on May 26th
Runoff elections are where the future is decided—often by a tiny, unrepresentative slice of the electorate. For Texas Democrats, the May 26th runoff is a pivotal moment to shape the party’s direction and the state’s future. Early voting is happening NOW through May 22. Your vote is your voice—don’t let it go unheard.
The Stakes: Why This Runoff Is Different
Imagine waking up the day after Election Day and realizing that just a handful of votes — maybe even yours — could have changed the outcome of a race that will shape Texas for years to come. That’s the reality of runoff elections. On May 26th, Texas Democrats have the power to decide who will represent them in some of the most consequential statewide and congressional races in a generation. But history shows that most voters sit these runoffs out, letting a small, unrepresentative group make the decisions for everyone else.
What Is a Runoff Election — and Why Do So Few People Vote?
A runoff election happens when no candidate wins a majority in the first round. The top two finishers face off in a second round to ensure the winner has true majority support. Sounds fair, right? The problem: almost nobody shows up.
97% of congressional primary runoffs have lower turnout than the initial primary.
The median turnout drop is a staggering 40%—and in Texas, it’s even worse, with a median decline of 49%.
In some districts, like TX-18, turnout has plummeted by 69% between the primary and the runoff.
That means the people who do show up have outsized power. In many cases, the margin of victory is smaller than the number of people who stayed home. Your vote in a runoff is worth more than ever.
Runoffs Change History—Don’t Let Others Decide for You
Runoff elections aren’t just a formality—they’re often where the real decisions are made:
Georgia Senate Runoffs, 2021: Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock won their seats in a runoff, flipping control of the U.S. Senate and changing the course of national policy.
Texas Senate Runoff, 2012: Ted Cruz won the Republican nomination in a runoff with just 6% turnout—over 11 million Texans didn’t vote, but the outcome shaped the state’s politics for a decade.
In 50% of 2024 runoffs, the candidate who trailed in the first round came back to win. That means the runoff is a true second chance—nothing is set in stone.
Equity at Stake: Who Gets Left Out When Turnout Drops?
Low turnout in runoffs doesn’t affect everyone equally. The steepest declines are among:
Voters of color: Median turnout dropped 70% for voters of color in 2024, compared to 64% for white voters.
Young and low-income voters: These groups are less likely to vote in runoffs, handing disproportionate power to an older, wealthier, and whiter electorate.
When fewer people vote, the electorate becomes less representative—and the issues that matter most to diverse communities risk being ignored.
What’s on the Ballot for Texas Democrats on May 26th?
This isn’t just about process—it’s about real races, real candidates, and real power. Here’s what’s at stake in the May 26th Democratic runoff:
Race/Office Candidates What’s at Stake
Attorney General Nathan Johnson vs. Joe Jaworski Who will be the party’s champion for legal rights, voting access, and accountability statewide.
Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin vs. Marcos Vélez Who will lead the fight for public education, healthcare, and fair legislative priorities.
U.S. House TX-18 Al Green vs. Christian Menefee The future of Houston’s representation—generational change and new ideas on the line.
U.S. House TX-33 Julie Johnson vs. Colin Allred Dallas’s voice in Congress—progressive priorities and immigration reform at stake.
U.S. House TX-17 Casey Shepard (endorsed by Milah Flores) A competitive seat that could help flip the balance in Congress.
The winners of these runoffs will shape the Democratic ticket for November and set the agenda for Texas’s future.
Your Vote Is Your Voice — And It Matters More Than Ever
With early voting open NOW through May 22 and Election Day on May 26, this is your chance to make a difference when it counts most. In a runoff, every single vote is magnified. Don’t let a small group decide the future for all of us.
How to Vote
Early Voting: May 18–22 at your local polling place.
Election Day: May 26.
Check your registration and polling location at your county elections website or the Texas Secretary of State’s portal.
Final Word: Don’t Sit This One Out
Runoff elections are where the future is decided—by those who show up. If you care about the direction of Texas, about fair representation, and about building a stronger Democratic Party, now is the time to act. Make your plan,powerful—use it.
