Texas Elections 2025: Latest Polls, Surprising Front-Runners, and How the Results Could Reshape America

Election Day Date, Ballot & Key Contests The 2025 Texas elections land on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, with early voting running Oct. 20–31, according to the Secretary of State’s calendar. Every voter will see the 17-item statewide constitutional-amendment ballot that lawmakers placed on the November docket. In addition, a high-profile U.S. House special election in the 18th Congressional District (Houston area) and a Texas Senate District 9 special election (Tarrant–Denton counties) will share the spotlight with dozens of local mayoral and city-council races. Why This Election Matters • Record constitutional slate: From property-tax relief to legalized casino gaming, the 17 propositions touch every corner of state policy and require a simple majority to become part of the Texas Constitution. • Power vacuum in CD-18: The death of longtime Rep. Sylvester Turner triggered a blanket primary where the top two finishers—regardless of party—advance if no one tops 50 percent. • Control of Senate D-9: With Sen. Kelly Hancock’s resignation, Republicans John Huffman and Leigh Wambsganss face Democrat Taylor Rehmet in a district that has trended suburban but still leans GOP. What’s on the Statewide Ballot Below is a plain-English roundup voters are Googling most: 1. Proposition 1 – $18 billion homestead exemption hike and appraisal-cap tweak. 2. Proposition 2 – Authorizes resort-style casino licenses in five metro areas, taxed at 23 percent for public education. 3. Proposition 3 – Dedicates 100 percent of vehicle-sales-tax growth to state highway funds. 4. Proposition 4 – Establishes a Texas Water Fund for long-term drought resilience. 5. Proposition 5 – Expands rural broadband grants and property-tax incentives for fiber deployment. 6–17. Bonding authority for universities, state parks, flood-mitigation, veterans’ housing, and judicial pay parity. Special-Election Cheat Sheet Texas-18 (Houston) • Filing deadline: Aug. 6 | Jungle primary: Nov. 4 | Runoff (if needed): Dec. 9 • Front-runners: State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D), ex-City Councilman Jack Christie (R), Pastor Keion Henderson (I). Senate District 9 (Tarrant–Denton) • Polling shows Huffman 38 %, Wambsganss 33 %, Rehmet 21 %, Undecided 8 %. • Gambling money floods Huffman, while Wambsganss rides endorsements from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former President Trump. Local Races Generating Buzz • San Antonio elects ex-Under-Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones its first Filipina-American mayor (runoff win June 7). • Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker cruises to a third term with 66.7 % on May 3. • Plano, Garland and Sugar Land voters also picked mayors after term-limit departures. Key Deadlines for Voters • Oct. 4 – Last day to register. • Oct. 25 – Deadline to request a mail ballot (received, not postmarked). • Nov. 4 – Mail ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. and arrive by Nov. 6. Turnout Outlook & SEO Takeaway Mid-cycle Texas constitutional elections usually draw 8–12 % turnout, but the high-stakes casino measure plus competitive specials could push participation toward 15 %. Search trends for “Texas elections 2025,” “2025 Texas propositions,” and “Houston special election” have spiked since July; publishers that surface explainer content, sample ballots and real-time results widgets are capturing the bulk of organic clicks in the Lone Star State. How to Prepare 1. Verify your registration at VoteTexas.gov. 2. Study the joint resolution text and fiscal notes on the Secretary of State’s website. 3. Mark early-voting locations—many large counties will expand hours the final weekend. 4. Bring an approved photo ID or complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. 5. Share this guide with friends and family to beat the “off-year” turnout slump. Bottom Line Whether you’re fired up about property-tax savings, casino resorts, or the battle to fill Texas’ newest open congressional seat, the 2025 Texas elections give every registered voter a direct say in the state’s fiscal, social and political future. Bookmark this page for amendment analyses, polling updates and live results as November 4 approaches.