More than one-fourth of registered Collin County voters turned out for the March 3 primary elections, according to unofficial final results reported by Collin County Elections. And the number of Democratic voters nearly equaled that of Republican voters, a sharp increase from the previous primary.

Election results remain unofficial until votes are canvassed by the political parties.

With all 86 county vote centers reporting, 199,606 ballots were cast, producing turnout of 26.26%, Collin County Elections reported. That compares with turnout of just over 19% in the March 2024 primaries and 69% in the November 2024 general election that included presidential candidates.

Election Day voting drew about 63,000 voters, roughly half the number who cast ballots during early voting.

Collin County Elections reported 103,850 Republican ballots and 95,756 Democratic ballots, meaning Democratic voters accounted for about 48% of the two-party primary turnout. In the March 2024 primary, Democratic ballots made up only 26% of the total.

Republicans statewide will return to the polls in May to decide the U.S. Senate contest between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton outpolled Cornyn 41% to 40% in Collin County, but Cornyn edged Paxton by a similar margin in statewide balloting.

Cornyn is seeking a fifth term to the Senate seat previously held by Lyndon B. Johnson, John Tower and Phil Gramm. President Donald Trump has said he will make an endorsement in the race.

The winner of the May 26 GOP runoff will face State Rep. James Talarico, who defeated Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.

In local elections, 3rd District Congressman Keith Self took more than 80% of the vote in his GOP primary contest with political newcomer Mark Newgent. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed in me once again by the voters in Congressional District 3,” Self said. “This isn’t just a win for our campaign; it is a clear mandate for the conservative values we hold dear.”

Self will face Democratic candidate Evan Hunt in the Nov. 3 general election.

State Rep. Jeff Leach defeated challenger Matt Thorsen 64% to 35% in the Republican primary for Texas House District 67.

In District 89, Rep. Candy Noble defeated Jeff Forrester 52% to 40%, while Rep. Angie Chen Button won 70% of the vote against Chad Carnahan in the GOP primary for District 112.

Leach thanked supporters and donors following his victory.

“Your belief in our message and mission, your hard work, and your faith in the future of our great state inspired and fueled me,” he said. “This victory belongs to each of you.”

Noble thanked volunteers, poll workers and election officials.

“What a privilege it is to live in America,” she said.

Leach’s November opponent is Jordan Wheatley, who took 57% of the vote against Emeka Eluka in the Democratic primary for District 67. Noble will face Democratic candidate Angie Carraway, and Zach Herbert is the Democratic challenger to Button.

Incumbent Collin County Judge Chris Hill received 78% of the vote against former Plano Councilmember Rick Grady and will face Democrat John R. “Buster” Brown in November.

“Thank you, Collin County!” Hill said in a social media post. “We all share this victory together, and I am honored to serve you and your families.”

Michael Slaughter, a former Parker councilmember, is the apparent successor to retiring Precinct 2 Collin County Commissioner Cheryl Williams. Slaughter was unopposed in the GOP primary and there was no Democratic candidate.

For the Precinct 4 seat on the Commissioners Court, November’s matchup will be between two former Plano City Council members. Shelby Williams edged Woody Huffines with just over 50% of the vote and will face Julie Holmer, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Collin County Elections Administrator Kaleb Breaux said final election results will be submitted to both political parties at the county level. Each party will canvass the results and submit them to the state.

According to Secretary of State Jane Nelson, the state chair must canvass county election returns by Sunday, March 15, for races with three or more candidates. The state canvass for remaining offices must be completed by Wednesday, March 25.

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