2026 Election Results: What North Texas REALTORS® Need to Know

The 2026 midterm elections brought significant changes to the political landscape across Texas and North Texas, with implications for property taxes, housing policy, infrastructure, local development and the real estate industry.

Democrats won or led every statewide race, took control of the Texas House, and made gains in several North Texas legislative and local government races. At the same time, voters rejected most of the bond and tax measures on the ballot, raising new questions about how fast-growing communities will pay for roads, schools and other infrastructure.

For MetroTex members, the results offer an early look at the officials, policies and local decisions that could shape the real estate market in the coming years.

A new political landscape in Texas

Democrats won or led every statewide race, including the contests for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller. Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott in the governor’s race, while James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate.

Democrats also secured a majority in the Texas House, changing the chamber’s leadership and committee structure ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The Senate remains under Republican control.

For REALTORS®, the change in House leadership is particularly important. New committee chairs will help determine which legislation receives attention, including issues involving property taxes, housing supply, land use, zoning and property rights.

Several laws passed in 2025 could also be revisited, amended or expanded under the new Legislature. These include the increased homestead exemption, legislation addressing smaller residential lots, housing in commercial areas and appraisal reforms.

The incoming administration and Legislature will be important partners for the real estate industry as discussions begin on affordability, housing availability and property ownership.

North Texas communities see significant local changes

The election also brought changes to county leadership and local representation across the MetroTex service area.

Tarrant County experienced one of the most significant shifts. Democrats won or led every contested countywide race, and the Commissioners Court is expected to change from a 3–2 Republican majority to a 4–1 Democratic majority beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

In Collin County, Republican County Judge Chris Hill retained his seat, while Democrat Julie Holmer won the open Precinct 4 commissioner position. Kaufman County also saw a change, with Democrat Shree Henderson defeating incumbent Commissioner Skeet Phillips.

These changes matter because county officials influence budgets, tax rates, transportation investments, development priorities and public services. REALTORS® should pay attention to how incoming officials approach growth, infrastructure and the cost of local government.

Local elections also produced changes in several cities and school districts. Fate voters recalled the mayor and three council members, while Lavon saw two City Council incumbents defeated. School board races in communities including Keller and Wylie also drew attention.

City councils and school boards make decisions that directly affect property owners and prospective buyers, including zoning, development approvals, school boundaries and local spending.

Voters reject most bond and tax proposals

Local voters sent a different message, saying no to almost everything that cost money: only 9 of 54 bond and tax measures in MetroTex’s area are passing or leading. That includes the two we asked you to support. Collin County Proposition B ($475 million for roads) failed with 48.3% of the vote, and Collin College Proposition A ($600 million) failed with 47.5%. The roads, campuses and classrooms are still needed. For roads, utilities and development infrastructure, local governments and developers may increasingly turn to impact fees, MUDs and PIDs. Those costs can ultimately affect the price of new homes and the monthly expenses buyers face.

MUDs and special districts remain important for buyers

While voters rejected many traditional bond and tax proposals, five new Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) were authorized to issue a combined $3.27 billion in new bonds.

The measures passed with very limited opposition, in some cases with only one or two voters total.

For buyers purchasing property within these districts, MUD taxes are an important part of the overall cost of ownership. The report identifies maintenance-tax ceilings ranging from $0.92 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, in addition to city, county and school district taxes.

REALTORS® should understand the tax obligations and disclosure requirements associated with properties located in MUDs. Under Texas Water Code Section 49.452, sellers must provide required MUD notices to purchasers before the contract is executed.

As infrastructure funding becomes more challenging, members may see additional use of MUDs and PIDs in developing communities. Understanding how these districts work, and how their costs affect buyers, is increasingly important.

Courts and appraisal districts: Changes to watch

Judicial races also brought changes that could affect real estate transactions and property management.

In Tarrant County, Democrats led all 14 contested judicial and Justice of the Peace races, with 10 Republican incumbents losing. Changes also occurred in Justice of the Peace races in Collin and Kaufman counties.

Justice of the Peace courts handle eviction cases, making these results particularly relevant to property managers and housing providers. New judges are expected to take office Jan. 1, 2027.

Appraisal district board elections also deserve attention. Elected directors oversee appraisal district budgets and hire the chief appraiser. In Tarrant County, one incumbent was trailing, while two board positions were headed for runoffs as of Nov. 6.

These boards play an important role in the property tax system, making their leadership and decisions relevant to homeowners, buyers and real estate professionals.

What happens next?

The election results are not yet final. Counties must complete canvassing, and close races could still be affected by late-arriving ballots or recounts.

Several dates and developments are worth watching:

• Nov. 17: Deadline for local election canvasses.
• Nov. 23: Deadline for local governments to order runoffs.
• Dec. 12: Scheduled runoff date for Nov. 3 local elections, where applicable. Tarrant Appraisal District runoffs are also possible, but a date had not been confirmed as of Nov. 6.
• Jan. 1, 2027: Newly elected county officials and appraisal district directors take office.
• Jan. 12, 2027: The 90th Texas Legislature convenes.
• May 1, 2027: First opportunity for local governments to bring failed bond measures back to voters. Failed tax-rate elections generally cannot return before November 2027.

Staying informed and engaged

The 2026 election results reinforce how closely public policy and real estate are connected. Decisions made by state lawmakers, county commissioners, city councils, school boards, appraisal districts and local courts can influence housing affordability, property ownership, development and the overall cost of living in North Texas.

MetroTex will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support homeownership, private property rights, a healthy housing market and the communities where members live and work.

For REALTORS®, staying informed and engaged with local and state government is an important part of protecting the industry and the clients we serve.

Click here for a detailed report on election results.

If you know a newly elected official or would like to become involved in local advocacy, please reach out to Government Affairs. We’d welcome the opportunity to connect.

Jason Petrie
Director of Government Affairs
Jason.Petrie@MetroTex.com

Results are unofficial until canvassed later this month, and Tarrant County’s count is not yet final.