The 2026 midterms officially start today, and while it might feel early, this is the first real temperature check on President Donald Trump’s second term — and on what both parties think their future looks like.

This isn’t just about party politics. It’s about power. And who gets to define the next four years.

Everything tonight runs through Texas.

On the Republican side, John Cornyn is in what may be the toughest race of his career. He’s being challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has survived impeachment drama, legal scandals, and still maintains a loyal MAGA base. Also in the mix is U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, who’s trying to position himself as the next-generation conservative voice.

If no one clears 50%, this heads to a runoff. And in Texas, runoffs can get ugly and expensive fast.

But let’s talk about the Democratic side.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico in a primary that’s really about strategy. Crockett has built a national profile as a sharp, unapologetic voice who doesn’t shrink in the face of chaos. Talarico is running a more measured, policy-forward campaign.

For Black voters, Crockett represents something familiar: a Black woman stepping into the arena knowing she’ll be scrutinized harder than anyone else. Whether you love her tone or question her approach, what’s undeniable is that she’s in a fight that mirrors how Black women often have to campaign — defending their competence while carrying the emotional labor of an entire base.

And that matters.

In North Carolina, Democrats are rallying behind former Gov. Roy Cooper, while Republicans are lining up behind former RNC Chair Michael Whatley.

This one is less dramatic tonight — both are expected to advance — but don’t be fooled. North Carolina is a battleground state. What happens here could shape control of the Senate.

And when Senate control shifts, so does everything from voting rights legislation to judicial confirmations to federal funding priorities.

Texas GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales is facing a primary challenge under a cloud of scandal involving allegations of an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. In Arkansas, a man charged with murder is running for local sheriff.

Let that sink in.

This is the political environment we’re operating in.

Today’s primaries kick off an eight-month sprint to November. But for our community, elections are never just abstract civic exercises. They shape:

• Criminal justice reform
• Reproductive rights
• Public education funding
• Healthcare access
• Voting protections

And here’s the honest truth: primaries often decide the real outcome. By the time November rolls around, many districts are already effectively locked.

If you sit out the primary, you’re letting a smaller, more extreme electorate make the call for you.

This isn’t just about Trump. It’s about what version of America both parties want to sell going forward.

Are Republicans doubling down on hardline MAGA politics?
Are Democrats leaning into bold, outspoken voices like Jasmine Crockett?
Or are they betting on safer, more centrist messaging?

Tonight won’t answer everything. But it starts the conversation.

So if you’re in Texas, North Carolina, or Arkansas — go vote. Not because politics is exciting. Not because the headlines are dramatic.

But because power doesn’t wait for us to catch up.

And if we’re serious about shaping what comes next, it starts now.