Friday, October 30, marks the final day of in-person early voting for Texas’ November 3 general election.
A competitive U.S. Senate contest, closely watched statewide races, and heavy turnout have intensified scrutiny of who will control federal legislation, state spending, and local law enforcement. The Texas secretary of state confirms the election calendar.
One unusual development has attracted national attention: Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, requested an Illinois mail ballot under his legal name, Robert Francis Prevost.
The Will County clerk’s office confirmed his October 3 request. The Vatican confirmed to The Associated Press on October 30 that he had voted in the U.S. election, although public reporting did not establish when the clerk received or accepted his completed ballot. A ballot request alone would not prove that officials received and counted a vote. His candidate choices remain private.
The pope retains U.S. citizenship despite leading the Catholic Church and Vatican City.
Turnout Is High, But It Does Not Reveal Winners
Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden announced more than 4.2 million early votes through October 24, roughly 22% of the state’s approximately 19 million registered voters. The office cautions that county reports can arrive late and that reported totals remain unofficial.
Dallas County had recorded 557,990 early votes as of the latest October 30 update reviewed by The Dallas Express from DallasEarlyVote.com, including 538,719 in-person ballots cast across 84 voting centers and 19,271 mail ballots returned through October 29, according to the county data compiled by the independent election tracker.
In-person turnout had reached 96% of the total recorded at the same point in the 2024 presidential election, signaling strong participation ahead of the November 3 general election. The figures remain preliminary as voters complete the final day of early voting Friday.
U.S. Senate: A Six-Year Decision With National Consequences
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, and Libertarian Ted Brown are competing for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who lost the Republican nomination. The contest could affect Senate control and the federal agenda, including immigration enforcement, taxation, judicial confirmations, and federal spending.
A CNN/SSRS poll of 923 likely voters, conducted October 20–27, placed Democrat James Talarico ahead of Republican Ken Paxton, 49% to 43%, with a ±4.2 percentage-point margin of error. A Texas Southern University survey of 2,000 likely voters, conducted October 21–25, gave Talarico a narrower 49% to 47% advantage, with a ±2.19 percentage-point margin of error. RealClearPolling’s October 8–27 average showed Talarico ahead by 2.1 percentage points, 48.6% to 46.5%. The surveys used different sampling and weighting methods. Polling averages reflect voter preferences, not actual election results.
U.S. senators earn $174,000 annually, serve six-year terms, and work during Senate votes, hearings, committee proceedings, and periods back in their states. No law requires a particular number of trips between Texas and Washington.
Governor: Abbott Faces A Narrower Polling Margin
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) seeks another four-year term against Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon.
An October 21–25 Texas Southern University survey found Republican Gov. Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa, 50% to 47%, while an October 21–26 survey from 254 Labs/YouGov Blue placed Hinojosa ahead, 49% to 46%. Texas Southern surveyed 2,000 likely voters with a ±2.19 percentage-point margin of error. The 254 Labs survey questioned 1,000 registered voters, weighted the results to likely-voter targets, and reported a ±4.6 percentage-point margin of error. Both contests fell within their respective surveys’ margins of error.
The governor recommends a state budget, signs or vetoes legislation, appoints state officials, and exercises executive authority during emergencies.
The position carries an annual salary of $153,750 and requires year-round responsibilities in Austin and throughout Texas.
Lieutenant Governor And Attorney General: Legislative Leverage And State Lawsuits
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) faces Democrat Vikki Goodwin, Libertarian Anthony Cristo, and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick.
An October 21–25 Texas Southern University survey found incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick leading Democrat Vikki Goodwin, 49% to 45%. Texas Southern surveyed 2,000 likely voters with a ±2.19 percentage-point margin of error.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate, appoints committee members and chairs, and exercises substantial influence over the legislative agenda.
Under the Texas Constitution, the lieutenant governor receives the same base compensation as state senators, currently $7,200 annually, plus applicable allowances, according to the Texas Legislative Reference Library.
The Texas attorney general race features Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton, Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson, and Libertarian Tom Oxford, according to the 2026 candidate list.
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton currently holds the office but is seeking election to the U.S. Senate. An October 21–25 Texas Southern University survey found Middleton leading Johnson, 49% to 45%.
The attorney general represents Texas in civil litigation, defends state laws, issues legal opinions to authorized state officials, and oversees consumer protection and child-support enforcement.
The position carries an annual salary of $153,750.
These officials work year-round. The lieutenant governor’s Senate duties center on Austin during legislative sessions and committee proceedings; the attorney general oversees statewide legal operations.
Comptroller: A Texas Taxpayer Watchdog
Republican Don Huffines, Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, and Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi seek the comptroller’s four-year term. Gov. Abbott appointed Huffines after former elected Comptroller Glenn Hegar left office and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock stepped down. Huffines assumed office August 1.
The comptroller collects taxes, certifies revenue estimates that constrain the state budget, and oversees major financial operations.
The position carries a $153,750 annual salary, although Huffines announced through the comptroller’s office on August 1 that he would decline it.
Dallas County: Decisions On Budgets And Criminal Prosecutions
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins (D) faces Republican Mike Immler in his bid for reelection.
Despite the title, the county judge leads the Commissioners Court rather than presiding over ordinary criminal trials. The court oversees county budgets, contracts, property taxes, and major administrative decisions. Dallas County’s current compensation schedule lists the county judge’s average monthly salary at $17,422.75, equivalent to $209,073 annually. The county’s fiscal 2027 budget also raises property-tax revenue by approximately $189.4 million over the previous year, making fiscal oversight a significant issue for voters. No adequately verified public head-to-head poll establishes a leader in the race.
In the district attorney contest, Democrat Amber Givens-Davis defeated incumbent John Creuzot in the Democratic primary and faces independent write-in candidate Eric Reed, whose candidacy the Texas Secretary of State certified.
The district attorney establishes prosecution priorities and oversees attorneys handling criminal cases, giving the office significant influence over public safety and criminal justice policy. The district attorney’s salary is set by a combination of state statute and county appropriation; the state pays the bulk under the Texas Government Code (tied to district-judge pay and years of service), while Dallas County provides a supplemental amount.
Unlike federal legislators, these county officials carry out their jobs primarily in Dallas County, with no fixed Austin or Washington attendance requirement.
What Legislators Earn And Where They Work
Texas House and Senate members receive a $7,200 annual base salary plus eligible per diem. The Legislature meets in Austin for up to 140 days in regular sessions every odd-numbered year, with additional special sessions, hearings, and constituent duties. U.S. House members earn $174,000 annually, serve two-year terms, and travel to Washington for congressional business while maintaining district responsibilities. Neither chamber imposes a fixed number of trips per year.
The races will shape federal oversight, state leadership, property taxes, public spending, and local criminal prosecutions. Public polling remains uncertain, especially in close contests: each survey has sampling limitations, and changes in turnout can alter the eventual result. Election officials will determine the winners from actual ballots, not advance projections.
Provided by Dallas Express
