# Houston Early Voting Begins

> Texas Democrats and Republicans race to boost Harris County turnout as early voting starts.
- Title: Houston Early Voting Begins · Houstonchronicle | Shortify
- Summary: Texas Democrats and Republicans race to boost Harris County turnout as early voting starts. Texas Democrats and Republicans mobilize voters in Harris County…
- Keywords: harris county, early voting, texas, democrats, republicans, greg abbott, jasmine crockett, harris county judge, houston, news, local, Early
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/politics/article/crockett-abbott-harris-county-early-voting-turnout-22483756.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: harris county, early voting, texas, democrats, republicans, greg abbott, jasmine crockett, harris county judge, houston, news, local
## Early voting starts in Houston
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Harris County Judge candidate Letitia Plummer visit Houston polling places Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.

> The thing that Republicans fear the most is voter participation
## Democrats target Harris County
Democrats hope massive turnout in Harris County can carry candidates like U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico to their first statewide victory in over three decades.
## Crockett's early voting push
Crockett kicked off her Houston visit Monday morning at Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, greeting voters with a wide smile and wishing them a 'happy first day of early voting.'
## Abbott's rally in Houston
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a get-out-the-vote rally at Clay’s Restaurant in west Houston Monday afternoon, urging Republicans to vote early.
## Harris County turnout record
Harris County voters broke the turnout record for the first day of early voting in a midterm election on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
## Voters line up for early voting
Over 70,000 Harris County voters cast ballots Monday, with lines stretching at least the length of a city block around the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center.
## Abbott's voter pledge
Abbott vowed to take a photo with every attendee at his rally, but only if they promised to vote after the event.
## Abbott's election pledge
Abbott promised to 'destroy the Democrats and keep Texas' at his Houston rally, with loud cheers from supporters.
## Harris County's political importance
Experts say Harris County is critical for both parties, with its growing diversity making it a key battleground for statewide elections.
## Next steps for Houston
Abbott plans to return to Houston for another rally next week, while Democrats prepare for potential early voting wins.
## Key takeaway

Texas Democrats and Republicans mobilize voters in Harris County as early voting begins, aiming to influence November's election.