Texas Primaries: Real Estate PAC Claims Victory Amidst Housing Crisis

AUSTIN, Texas – March 06, 2026 – As the dust settles on Texas's record-breaking primary elections, a powerful voice in the state's real estate industry is declaring a significant victory. The Texas Realtors Political Action Committee (TREPAC) announced that dozens of its endorsed “pro-property rights” candidates have secured their party’s nominations, setting the stage for a legislative session heavily influenced by the real estate sector's agenda.

In a statement following the primaries, TREPAC, the political arm of the 145,000-member Texas Realtors association, celebrated what it framed as a clear mandate from voters. The organization reported that of the 56 candidates it supported for statewide and legislative seats, 42 won their nominations outright, with three more heading to runoff elections in May. This success, they argue, reflects a public clamoring for leaders committed to lowering property taxes, expanding housing opportunities, and investing in community infrastructure.

"Texas Realtors care deeply about their communities, their neighbors, and the future of our state," said James Martin, 2026 Chair of TREPAC, in a press release. "We applaud these candidates for their commitment to civic leadership and public service."

The results highlight the formidable influence of organized interest groups in shaping the political landscape. However, the victories come at a critical juncture for Texas, a state grappling with a severe housing affordability crisis and contentious debates over the future of property taxation, issues that will test the resolve and policy proposals of these newly nominated candidates.

A Record Turnout, A Complex Message

TREPAC's announcement was set against the backdrop of what was indeed a historic primary election. Nearly 4.5 million Texans cast ballots, a surge in engagement driven by high-stakes races and pressing kitchen-table issues. For the first time since 2020, Democratic primary turnout, at 2.3 million, surpassed the 2.2 million votes cast in the Republican primary.

Statewide, the Democratic primary turnout rate of 12.4% among registered voters was the highest for a midterm primary since 1990. This included a notable surge in participation among Latino voters. While TREPAC interprets the overall high turnout as an endorsement of its pro-business, pro-development platform, the complex demographic and partisan shifts suggest a more nuanced story. Voters from all political affiliations are feeling the squeeze of Texas's economic paradox: booming growth paired with skyrocketing living costs.

The election saw major shakeups, including incumbent Senator John Cornyn being forced into a runoff with Attorney General Ken Paxton, and State Representative Gina Hinojosa securing the Democratic nomination to challenge Governor Greg Abbott. These results indicate a volatile and energized electorate, where frustration over property taxes and housing affordability transcends party lines and provides fertile ground for political promises.

The Looming Battles Over Taxes and Housing

The primary winners will enter a political arena dominated by the twin crises of property taxes and housing affordability. Texas, which has no state income tax, relies heavily on local property taxes to fund schools and municipal services. This has created one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation, a top concern for homeowners.

While the legislature passed a relief package in 2025 that increased the homestead exemption, the debate is far from over. Governor Abbott has championed a five-point plan that includes stricter caps on local government spending and eventually eliminating school property taxes. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has floated his own “Operation Double Nickel” proposal, focused on a massive homestead exemption increase and lowering the age for freezing tax rates.

The success of TREPAC-backed candidates could add momentum to these reform efforts, but it also raises questions about how to balance tax cuts with the funding needs of a rapidly growing state.

Even more pressing is the state's housing deficit. By some estimates, Texas is short more than 300,000 homes, a crisis most acute for low-income households. In major metro areas like Dallas, the shortage of affordable rental homes for families earning 50% or less of the area median income has reached critical levels. TREPAC advocates for reducing regulations to spur development, but candidates are also facing public pressure to address the role of institutional investors in the housing market. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, for example, has called for holding private equity firms accountable to make homeownership more accessible for working families.

Infrastructure at a Crossroads

The final pillar of the real estate lobby's platform is investment in infrastructure—the roads, water systems, and energy grids that support growth. Here, Texas presents a story of contrasts. The state has committed a record $148 billion to transportation projects through 2034, fueling a robust construction sector.

However, its water infrastructure is facing a staggering investment gap estimated at $154 billion. A long-term water plan approved in 2025 provides only a fraction of the needed funds to secure water resources for Texas's growing population and economy. The candidates who triumphed in the primaries will face the monumental task of prioritizing these competing needs, deciding how to fund the essential systems that allow communities to thrive without further burdening taxpayers.

As these nominees pivot toward the November general election, they carry with them the backing of a powerful industry and the weight of voter expectations. Their ability to navigate the complex and often conflicting demands for tax relief, affordable housing, and robust infrastructure will determine not only their political futures but the future of the Texas dream itself.