The dust has settled on the 2026 Texas Republican Primary,1 and the results signal a resounding mandate from voters for fiscal restraint, lower taxes, and accountable government. These primaries not only selected nominees for key offices but also featured ballot propositions that overwhelmingly reflected a pro-taxpayer sentiment, and underscore a growing frustration with unchecked spending and a desire for policies that prioritize hardworking Texans over government excess.
From upsets in legislative races to dominant wins in statewide contests, the night belonged to candidates championing limited government and economic freedom.
The Comptroller
One of the most notable victories came in the race for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, where former state Senator Don Huffines secured a decisive win with approximately 57% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and defeating acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick. Huffines, a staunch fiscal conservative, campaigned on streamlining state finances, eliminating wasteful programs, and implementing rigorous audits to root out waste, fraud and abuse. His win is a boon for taxpayers, as the comptroller’s office oversees hundreds of billions in revenue collection and plays a pivotal role in certifying the state’s budget.
Under Huffines’ leadership, taxpayers can likely expect a sharper focus on reducing the tax burden, particularly through enhanced transparency in how funds are allocated across the board. This result positions Huffines to face Democrat Sarah Eckhardt in November.
The Texas Legislature
In the Texas House, several races highlighted a shift toward fresher voices committed to fiscal responsibility. In House District 1, encompassing Northeast Texas, Chris Spencer edged out Josh Bray by about 51% to 49%, securing the Republican nomination. Spencer, a small business owner running to replace State Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston)2 who earned a Career “F” on the Fiscal Responsibility Index (The Index) , emphasized curbing state overreach and prioritizing lasting property tax relief. His victory sets up a general election matchup with Democrat Sean Huffman in the solid red, east-Texas district.
Further south, in House District 85, a rural expanse west of Houston, challenger Dennis “Goose” Geesaman unseated incumbent Rep. Stan Kitzman (R-Brookshire),3 also with a career “F“on the The Index, with 57% of the vote. Geesaman, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Flatonia mayor, ran on a platform of “DOGE-ing Texas”—a nod to optimizing government efficiency, and fighting waste, fraud and abuse in government appropriations. Kitzman, who chaired a House appropriations subcommittee, has faced criticism for supporting bloated budgets, and for receiving support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) and casino interests like Texas Sands PAC. Geesaman’s upset victory is a complete 180 for taxpayers in HD-85.
Similarly, in House District 3, Kristen Plaisance defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Cecil Bell Jr. (R-Magnolia)4 with 55% of the vote, ousting another Career “F” on The Index. Plaisance, a conservative activist, highlighted her commitment to parental rights and slashing unnecessary regulations that inflate costs for families and businesses. Bell’s loss, even amid heavy spending from TLR and Sands, suggests voters prioritizing fiscal sanity and protecting the state from expanded predatory gambling.
Beyond these individual races, a broader pattern emerged: All state representatives and senators who ran for reelection and earned an “A” on TFR’s Fiscal Responsibility Index5 triumphed in their primaries. TFR’s Index evaluates lawmakers based on votes that protect taxpayers and families from bigger government. This clean sweep is a testament to the electorate’s demand for accountability; these lawmakers have fought for reforms that keep more money in Texans’ pockets.
Propositions
The propositions on the ballot, ten in all, serve as a direct poll of Republican voters’ priorities and passed with overwhelming majorities. These non-binding measures, while not enacting law, send a clear directive to the Legislature on fiscal policy.
Proposition 1, which called for assessing property taxes at the purchase price and phasing them out entirely over six years through spending reductions, garnered 87.98% support. This proposition addresses one of Texas’ most pressing issues: skyrocketing property taxes that have no end in sight. The proposition emphasizes spending cuts rather than new revenue sources, and aligns perfectly with fiscally conservative principles: forcing government to live within its means. If implemented, this could save billions for taxpayers, stimulate economic growth, and end the practice of Texans renting their property from the government in perpetuity.
Proposition 2, requiring voter approval in general elections for any local government budget that raises property taxes, passed with 93.72% in favor. This measure would empower citizens to veto tax hikes, curbing the power of local officials who often approve budgets and tax-increases in low-turnout meetings. From a fiscal standpoint, it promotes transparency and could lead to more efficient municipal operations, as governments would need to justify increases to a broader electorate. This safeguard could prevent the kind of unchecked local spending and property taxes that has driven up costs around the state, and put voters back in the driver’s seat.
Proposition 8, advocating for reducing the burden of illegal immigration on taxpayers by ending public services for illegal aliens, received 92.6% approval. This reflects deep concerns over illegal immigration’s fiscal toll. Estimates suggest Texas spends over hundreds of million, if not billions, of dollars annually on healthcare, education, and welfare for illegal immigrants. By limiting these services, the state could redirect funds to core priorities like infrastructure and public safety, easing the strain on citizens.
These propositions, all passing with strong, super-majority support across the board, illustrate a unified Republican base pushing for bold reforms. The fiscal implications are profound: A Legislature attuned to these results could advance property tax abolition, more power in the hands of voters, and cost-saving immigration policies.
Looking Forward
In sum, the 2026 primaries mark a pivotal moment for Texas fiscal conservatism. Republican voters have spoken loudly in favor of candidates and ideas that prioritize fiscal discipline over expansion, setting up a November election where these themes could continue to dominate, and on into the 2027 legislative session.
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- https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-enr-ui/races ↩︎
- https://index.texastaxpayers.com/legislators/gary-vandeaver/2025-index ↩︎
- https://index.texastaxpayers.com/legislators/stan-kitzman/2025-index ↩︎
- https://index.texastaxpayers.com/legislators/cecil-bell/2025-index ↩︎
- https://texastaxpayers.com/index/ ↩︎
