Austin, Texas, December 19, 2025
Texas House Democrats have announced plans to flip five key seats in South and Central Texas during the upcoming elections. This strategic push targets districts previously held by Republicans, aiming to challenge their dominance and influence the political landscape for the 2026 midterm elections. Candidates like Kristian Carranza and Zack Dunn are central to this initiative, emphasizing community engagement and affordability issues in their campaigns.
Texas House Democrats Aim to Flip Five Seats in Upcoming Election
Austin, Texas – Texas House Democrats have unveiled a strategic plan to flip five seats in the upcoming election, focusing on districts in South and Central Texas. This initiative aims to challenge Republican dominance in the state legislature and reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Targeted Districts and Candidates
The Democratic campaign is concentrating on the following districts:
- District 34: Previously held by Rep. Denise Villalobos, R-Corpus Christi, who won by an 11-percentage point margin in 2024.
- District 37: Previously held by Rep. Janie Lopez, R-San Benito, who won by 10 points in 2024.
- District 112: Previously held by Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Garland, who won by 8 points in 2024.
- District 118: Previously held by Rep. John Lujan, R-San Antonio, who won by 3 points in 2024. The seat is now open, with Democrat Kristian Carranza running unopposed in the primary.
- District 121: Previously held by Rep. Marc LaHood, R-San Antonio, who won by 5 points in 2024. Democrat Zack Dunn is running unopposed in the primary.
Strategic Approach
Democratic leaders emphasize the importance of connecting with local communities and addressing key issues such as affordability. Candidates like Carranza and Dunn aim to resonate with voters by focusing on pragmatic solutions and community engagement.
Background Context
In recent years, Texas has experienced significant political shifts. The Republican Party has maintained control over the state legislature, but Democrats are actively working to challenge this dominance. The 2026 midterm elections present a critical opportunity for Democrats to gain ground and influence state policies. The current redistricting efforts and the emergence of new candidates reflect a concerted effort to reshape the political dynamics in Texas.
FAQ
Which districts are Texas House Democrats targeting to flip in the upcoming election?
Democrats are focusing on Districts 34, 37, 112, 118, and 121, aiming to challenge Republican incumbents and gain control in these areas.
Who are the Democratic candidates running in these targeted districts?
Kristian Carranza is running in District 118, and Zack Dunn is running in District 121. Both are unopposed in their respective primaries.
What is the significance of the 2026 midterm elections for Texas Democrats?
The 2026 midterm elections offer Democrats a critical opportunity to challenge Republican control and influence state policies, especially in light of recent redistricting efforts.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Targeted Districts | 34, 37, 112, 118, 121 |
| Democratic Candidates | Kristian Carranza (District 118), Zack Dunn (District 121) |
| Election Year | 2026 Midterm Elections |
| Strategic Focus | Community engagement, affordability issues |
| Political Context | Efforts to challenge Republican dominance in Texas legislature |
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