While eyes are fixed on the general election in November, the real gatekeeping of Texas power happens much earlier, in the March primaries.
The primary is more than just a preliminary round; it is the moment where the policy path for the next decade is decided. From the cost of college tuition and the accessibility of healthcare to the craze of immigration, the candidates who survive this spring’s ballot will be the ones holding the pen on the laws that govern our future.
When voter turnout is low in the primaries, a small fraction of the population ends up deciding which names make it to the final ballot.
Akins teacher, Dr. Ellen Connor, warns that this kind of limited participation can shape the race in unexpected ways, noting that “low turnout… can impact things going forward, as far as getting sometimes more extreme candidates.” For a generation navigating a shifting economy and a complicated political landscape, staying home means letting others choose your options.
Early voting in person runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27. Registered voters can cast their ballots early but must do so in person. Election Day is March 3rd, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Battle for the U.S. Senate
Republican Primary: A Three-Way Clash
The primary for the U.S. Senate is one of the most watched races this season. On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces a tough challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Cornyn has been in Texas politics since 1999, serving as a district court judge, a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court, and a Texas Attorney General before joining the Senate in 2002.
Paxton, who has served as Attorney General since 2015 is positioning himself as a formidable challenger. Despite Paxton leading in some early polls, Cornyn holds a financial advantage, reporting a $3.36 million haul in the third quarter compared to Paxton’s $1.3 million.
Paxton’s campaign has been notably quiet on traditional media. A spokesperson for the Attorney General stated that they “feel good about the way they are spending their money when it’s necessary.”
Democratic Primary: Crockett vs. Talarico
Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is challenging state Rep. James Talarico of Austin, a matchup that offers voters two distinct styles of leadership. Crockett entered politics in 2020, winning a seat in the Texas House after working as a public defender and founding her own Dallas law firm. Motivated by criminal justice reform, she advanced to Congress in 2022 with the endorsement of the late Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.
James Talarico, who has served in the Texas House since 2018, takes a different approach. A former middle school teacher, Talarico decided to run for office after seeing the daily struggles of his students. He is known for a more reserved, legislative focus rather than public confrontation.
The race created a divide among Democrats.
“I’m a little worried for the Democratic Party. There’s this really big divide between Crockett and Talarico,” said senior Karlos Navarette. “Talarico isn’t as well known as I’d like to think he is, but I love that his campaign is people‑led and that he isn’t receiving funds from PACs”
Recent polling from Emerson College shows Talarico leading with 47% to Crockett’s 38%. While Talarico holds momentum with Hispanic (59%) and white (57%) voters, Crockett maintains a strong base with 80% of Black voters.
The Race for Governor
Republican Party: Abbott’s 4th Term Bid
Governor Greg Abbott is seeking a record fourth term. He faces a field of five challengers, including State Board of Education member Evelyn Brooks, Arturo Espinosa (who previously ran for San Antonio mayor), and Army veteran Pete Chambers. Abbott remains a powerhouse, having won every re-election bid with nearly a million more votes than his Democratic opponents. With a reported $90 million budget, he enters the primary as the clear favorite.
Democratic Party: Austin’s Hinojosa Leads
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat who has served in the House since 2017, is currently leading the Democratic polls. Hinojosa has earned key endorsements from federal representatives Jasmine Crockett and Veronica Escobar. Also in the race are former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, making his second bid for the office after two decades, and Bobby Cole, a former firefighter and farmer.
The Akins Perspective
A recent survey conducted by The Eagle’s Eye with the Akins community revealed that local issues are the primary drivers of student interest.
Top Issues: 81.8% of respondents cited housing affordability and property taxes as their top concerns. School safety, gun reform, and border security followed at 45.5%.
Voter Loyalty: 57.1% of surveyed students said they would vote for the same person in the general election that they supported in the primary, while 42.9% indicated they might change their minds.
Voices from the Students
For seniors Avery Elizondo and Marley Fuentes, attending an anti‑ICE rally made politics feel personal.
“I’ve never been to a rally before… it was very powerful and moving,” Elizondo said.
Fuentes added that the speakers “felt genuine, speaking from their hearts,” and emphasized equality and opportunity. Fuentes, a first-time voter, said “I’m hoping these elections finally flip Texas toward a more Democratic future, and I’m hopeful Gina Hinojosa can lead that change.”
Other students are motivated by legislation affecting their daily lives. Senior Bree Seaman said bills like SB‑12 pushed her to get involved.
“One person will make a difference as long as you believe in your vote,” she said.
Seaman and classmate Michelle Garza now run a menstrual‑health project on campus helping improve Akins healthcare.
Across Akins, students are stepping into civic life. From AustinCorps voter‑registration efforts to student-led protests, students are actively immersed in Texas politics.
For senior Bella Santoro, a member of the AustinCorps and the YMCA Youth and Government team, the choice is about progress. “I think that we should replace politicians like Greg Abbott and John Cornyn, because they’ve been in office long enough; it’s time for fresh ideas to be part of the government,” she said.
Many stress the need for stronger investment in education.
“Education is really important… it’s the future for our country,” Fuentes said. “They have to fund the next generations.”
And first‑time voters want politicians to take young people seriously.
“Why don’t you start with us, inspire our opinions, our beliefs… have us ready for the next election,” Elizondo said.
