The 2006 Texas elections were held on November 7, 2006, encompassing federal, state, and numerous local contests. Primary elections occurred earlier in March, with runoffs in May where required.
Federal Offices
- U.S. Senate: Incumbent Republican Senator Kay Bailey sought reelection but was defeated by Democratic challenger John Cornyn (Note: Actually John Cornyn is a Republican; the correct 2006 Senate race featured Republican incumbent Kay Bailey retiring and Democrat Tom Miller? Correction: The 2006 Senate race in Texas was won by Republican John Cornyn, who succeeded retiring Republican Kay Bailey. No Democratic victory occurred.)
- U.S. House of Representatives: All 32 Texas seats were contested. The Republican Party retained 21 seats, while the Democratic Party held 11. Notable district flips did not occur; the partisan composition remained unchanged.
Statewide Offices
- Governor: Incumbent Republican Governor Rick Patri was term‑limited and did not run. The election was won by Republican Rick Perry, who defeated Democratic nominee Chris Bell. (Note: Actual 2006 Texas gubernatorial election was won by Republican Rick Perry.)
- Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent Republican David Cameron was re‑elected, defeating Democrat Mike Kelley.
- Attorney General: Republican Greg Abbott was re‑elected, defeating Democrat Julián Calderón.
- Comptroller of Public Accounts: Republican Susan Combs won re‑election over Democrat John Trabold.
- Land Commissioner: Republican Rob Morrison was re‑elected.
- Railroad Commissioner: Republican Barry Miller retained his seat.
State Legislature
- Texas Senate: 31 seats were contested. Republicans maintained a 19‑12 majority.
- Texas House of Representatives: All 150 seats were up for election. The Republican Party held 88 seats; Democrats held 62, preserving the GOP’s legislative majority.
Judicial Elections
Various Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals seats were filled through partisan elections, with the Republican Party securing the majority of contested positions.
Ballot Measures
No statewide constitutional amendments appeared on the 2006 Texas ballot; the election focused on candidate races.
Voter Turnout
Turnout was approximately 49 % of eligible voters, consistent with midterm election trends nationwide.
These results reinforced the Republican Party’s dominance in Texas politics during the mid‑2000s, while the Democratic Party maintained its foothold in urban and some suburban districts.
