Texas 2026 Elections: Why Your Voice Matters

Elections don’t just shape headlines: they shape how our businesses operate every day. From water regulations and labor policies to plant movement rules and local landscape ordinances: decisions made at the ballot box directly affect our green industry. 

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is committed to making sure our members are informed, prepared, and empowered to participate. This guide breaks down why these elections matter, what races and deadlines to know, and how you can help ensure our industry’s voice is heard. 

Why Elections Matter to the Green Industry ​

Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates. 

• Local officials decide on water restrictions, landscape ordinances, and development requirements that can vary city by city. 

• State leaders influence workforce rules, licensing requirements, and agricultural regulations that shape how businesses hire, operate, and expand. 

• Federal offices help determine labor policy and agricultural priorities that affect the availability and cost of labor across Texas. 

For an industry rooted in local communities but influenced by statewide and national policy, engagement at every level matters. ​

Important Congressional Races to Watch ​

The 2026 congressional elections in Texas will feature major races, but they’re also being shaped by unusual turnover and redistricting that could significantly change the state’s representation. 

So far, nine Texas members of Congress are not seeking re-election, creating many open seats. Without incumbents on the ballot, these races are expected to be more competitive and closely watched, giving voters greater influence over who represents them in Washington. 

At the same time, mid-decade redistricting has redrawn district boundaries across Texas, forcing some incumbents to step aside and reshaping the political landscape.  

Together, retirements and redistricting have turned Texas into a high-stakes battleground in 2026, one that could influence control of the U.S. House and federal policy decisions that matter to the green industry. ​

Know What’s on Your Ballot ​

Before heading to the polls, take time to review the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on. County election offices publish official sample ballots that reflect exactly what will appear on your ballot. 
For additional background and context, the Texas Tribune offers a primary ballot lookup tool to help voters see what races are on the ballot for the March primary: 
https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot/ 

Key Election Dates to Remember

Mark your calendar with these important deadlines for the March 3, 2026, Primary Election. 

• Voter registration deadline: February 2 

• Check your registration status or register to vote: 

• https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-mvp-ui/#/login 

• Early voting begins: February 17 

• Early voting locations will be posted on your county’s website 

• Early voting ends: February 27 

• Primary Election Day: March 3 

• If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, a runoff election will be held on May 26. ​

How You Can Help Strengthen Advocacy Efforts

TNLA advocates for the green industry year-round, and member involvement plays an important role in helping us stay informed, responsive, and effective. When members share what they’re seeing and stay engaged, TNLA can identify issues earlier and advocate more proactively on behalf of the industry.
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Member participation helps:

• Surface potential challenges before they escalate
• Provide real-world insight that informs advocacy
• Support efforts to shape policy, not just respond to it

Here are a few ways you can help and stay involved:
1. Stay Informed
TNLA regularly shares legislative and regulatory updates through the Hive Legislative & Regulatory Group. This group is a central place for timely information, advocacy updates, and opportunities to engage.
👉 Join or follow the group here:
https://thehive.tnlaonline.org/topics/45449/feed

2. Share What You’re Seeing
Many issues affecting our industry start at the local level. New ordinances, water restrictions, licensing changes, or regulatory concerns are often first noticed by members in their own communities.
Members are encouraged to post and share observations in the Hive, not just read updates. TNLA staff actively monitor these conversations and use this insight to track trends and respond proactively.
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3. Take Action When You Can
Responding to action alerts, voting, and contacting elected officials all help amplify the green industry’s voice. Hearing directly from constituents who live and work in their districts helps policymakers better understand how decisions affect real businesses.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is worth flagging, reach out. Advocacy works best as a two-way conversation, and no issue is too small to share.

Working Together for a Stronger Industry
Elections and policy decisions directly impact the future of Texas’s green industry. By staying informed, sharing what you’re seeing, and engaging when opportunities arise, you help ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making.
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Together, we can continue supporting policies that allow Texas’ green industry to grow and thrive.
Questions or insights? Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team:

• Curtis Smith, Director – [email protected]
• Karan Mehta, Manager – [email protected]