State
State Senator, District 5
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate, which writes and votes on state laws and the state budget and confirms many of the Governor's appointments.
Covers all of Bastrop, Brazos, Freestone, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, San Jacinto and Walker counties, and part of Williamson County.
Taxes & budget
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
No documented position found.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
- Sponsored law creating the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.In office
Public safety
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
- Opposes immigrant detention without due process.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
- Sponsored law requiring sheriffs' immigration agreements with ICE.In office
- Authored Texas's constitutional carry law.In office
Education
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
- Opposes school vouchers that divert public school money.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
- Supports narrowing the gap between rich and poor.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
No documented position found.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
- Sponsored 2025 law on electric service quality and reliability.In office
Environment & parks
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
- Supports addressing climate change and a shrinking coastline.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Paul ThomassonDemocratic
- Supports action on rising insurance and health care costs.
Charles SchwertnerRepublican
- Sponsored law limiting noncompete agreements for physicians.In office
- Sponsored law regulating automated systems in insurance claim denials.In office
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.