Texas general election: November 3, 2026
Who is running for State Senator, District 26 in 2026?
Here are the candidates for State Senator, District 26 on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Texas Senate District 26.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
Side by side
Each candidate's position on the issues this office handles, from their own record. Details and sources are in each profile below.
| Issue | Julián VillarrealGreen | José MenéndezDemocrat |
|---|---|---|
| Business regulation | Stronger rules on big corporations, banks and tech companiesSaid · medium | No public position |
| Healthcare | No public position | Keep the Affordable Care Act and fix what is brokenOfficial action · low |
| Guns | No public position | All of that, plus ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazinesOfficial action · medium |
| Energy and climate | An aggressive shift to clean energy with firm deadlinesQuestionnaire answer · medium | No single answer fits; see evidence |
| Texas power grid | No public position | Pay for more backup natural gas plantsVoted · medium |
| AI data centers | Pause new approvals until the state finishes studying power and water impactsQuestionnaire answer · medium | No public position |
| School choice | No, keep public money in traditional public schoolsQuestionnaire answer · medium | No, keep public money in traditional public schoolsQuestionnaire answer · medium |
| Housing and growth | Allow townhomes and apartments in more places to bring prices downSaid · low | Allow townhomes and apartments in more places to bring prices downVoted · low |
| Election rules | No public position | Easier access: automatic registration and mail voting for anyoneOfficial action · medium |
| Redistricting | No public position | Independent commissions draw maps, with a national ban on partisan gerrymanderingOfficial action · medium |
| Campaign finance | Overturn Citizens United by amendment and add public financing of campaignsQuestionnaire answer · low | No public position |
| Childcare and pre-K | No public position | Target free pre-K and subsidies to low-income and priority familiesOfficial action · medium |
| Nuclear power | No public position | Back new reactors with public funds, tax credits, and streamlined approvalsVoted · medium |
| DEI programs | No public position | Expand them to close gaps between groupsOfficial action · medium |
Julián Villarreal
GreenMaterials engineer
Julián Villarreal is a Green Party candidate and materials engineer from San Antonio with an undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin1. He serves on CPS Energy's Community Input Committee1. He faces Democratic incumbent José Menéndez on Nov. 3, 20262.
Where they stand 8 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
School choiceNo, keep public money in traditional public schoolsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he opposes the state voucher program (TEFA), would eliminate it and would fully fund public schools, including by using the Rainy Day Fund. (2026) source
- His campaign site says the same, and also says laws favoring privately run charter schools have undermined public education. (2026) source
AI data centersPause new approvals until the state finishes studying power and water impactsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he supports a statewide moratorium on new data centers and stricter regulations on existing ones. (2026) source
Energy and climateAn aggressive shift to clean energy with firm deadlinesmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he supports legislation to reduce emissions and that Texas must begin the necessary transition to 100 percent renewable energy. (2026) source
- His campaign site says he will introduce legislation to begin a just energy transition for Texas. (2026) source
Business regulationStronger rules on big corporations, banks and tech companiesmedium
Said · medium confidence- His campaign site says he will hold polluters and state agencies accountable and push legislation making fossil fuel companies plug abandoned wells and recycle contaminated fracking water. (2026) source
Campaign financeOverturn Citizens United by amendment and add public financing of campaignslow
Questionnaire answer · low confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he supports prohibiting corporate spending in elections, like laws in Hawaii and Montana. (2026) source
Housing and growthAllow townhomes and apartments in more places to bring prices downlow
Said · low confidence- His campaign site calls for direct public investment in affordable housing and a tenant's bill of rights. (2026) source
- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said a land value tax on most residential properties would reduce housing costs and encourage home improvements and greater density in urban areas. (2026) source
- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he supports a ban on private equity firms owning residential properties. (2026) source
ImmigrationNo single answer fitsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he opposes encroachment on civil liberties by federal law enforcement such as ICE, wants to end 287(g) agreements and repeal Senate Bill 4 of 2023. (2026) source
- His campaign site also says he would support local governments that decline to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. (2026) source
Property taxesNo single answer fitsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the San Antonio Report 2026 voter guide he said he would implement a land value tax for most homes, repeal the state sales tax in favor of a progressive value-added tax, and explore higher corporate taxes, a windfall profits tax and a wealth tax. (2026) source
No public position found on: Safety net programs, Minimum wage, Healthcare, Abortion, Guns, Texas power grid, Curriculum and books, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Politicians trading stocks, Marijuana, Gender care for minors, Redistricting, Term limits, Electoral College, Ranked-choice voting, Death penalty, Qualified immunity, Mandatory minimums, Drug prices, Childcare and pre-K, Paid leave, Student loans, AI regulation, Kids online, School vaccines, Nuclear power, E-Verify mandate, Transgender athletes, DEI programs, Religion in schools, China policy.
José Menéndez
Democrat · IncumbentState Senator, Texas Senate District 26
José Menéndez is a San Antonio Democrat who has represented Texas Senate District 26 since winning a 2015 special election1. He previously served in the Texas House and on the San Antonio City Council12. He faces Green Party candidate Julián Villarreal on Nov. 3, 20263.
Where they stand 21 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
GunsAll of that, plus ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazinesmedium
Official action · medium confidence- Voted no on HB 1927 (2021), which allows adults to carry a handgun without a license; it passed the Senate 18 to 13. (2021-05-05) source
- Authored SB 195 (2025), relating to a required waiting period for certain firearm transfers. (2025-02) source
- Authored SB 910 (2023), relating to a thirty day waiting period before a person younger than 21 may purchase a firearm. (2023-03) source
- Was a joint author of SB 1274 (2023), relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm. (2023-03) source
- Text of SB 1274 (2023) as introduced, the Robb Elementary Firearm Safety Act, makes it an offense to possess or transfer certain assault weapons. (2023-03) source
- Was a joint author of SB 1658 (2025), the same firearm transfer, assault weapon and protective order bill. (2025-03) source
- Voted no on the House amendment to SB 1362 (2025), which bars Texas from adopting or enforcing red flag laws; the Senate concurred 20 to 11. (2025-05-30) source
RedistrictingIndependent commissions draw maps, with a national ban on partisan gerrymanderingmedium
Official action · medium confidence- Authored SJR 28 (2021) and SB 410 (2021), relating to a Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Legislature and Congress. (2021-03) source
- Authored SB 45 and SJR 12 (2021, third called session), relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission. (2021-09) source
- Voted no on SB 6 (2021), the 2021 congressional map; it passed the Senate 18 to 13. (2021-10-08) source
- Authored SB 115 and SJR 16 (2023), relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission. (2023-02) source
- Authored SB 180 and SJR 11 (2025), relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission. (2025-02) source
- Voted no on HB 4 (2025, second called session), which redrew Texas U.S. House districts; it passed the Senate 18 to 11. (2025-08-22) source
Texas power gridPay for more backup natural gas plantsmedium
Voted · medium confidenceSchool choiceNo, keep public money in traditional public schoolsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In his 2014 ATPE candidate survey he said vouchers and tuition tax credits undermine the public education system and that Texas must properly fund public schools instead of supporting private or religious schools. (2014) source
- Voted no on SB 8 (2023), an earlier education savings account bill; it passed the Senate 18 to 13. (2023-04-06) source
- Voted no on SB 2 (2025), which created a state education savings account program that can pay for private school; it passed the Senate 19 to 12. (2025-02-05) source
DEI programsExpand them to close gaps between groupsmedium
Official action · medium confidence- Authored SB 2194 (2023), relating to promoting racial equity in the hiring and promotion of faculty members; as introduced it requires each public college to develop a five-year plan to increase racial diversity among faculty. (2023-03) source
- Voted no on SB 17 (2023), which bars DEI offices at public colleges; it passed the Senate 19 to 12. (2023-04-19) source
- Voted no on SB 12 (2025), which bars DEI duties in public K-12 schools; the Senate adopted the final version 20 to 11. (2025-05-31) source
Election rulesEasier access: automatic registration and mail voting for anyonemedium
Official action · medium confidence- Authored SB 95 (2021), relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter. (2021-03) source
- Authored SB 98 (2021), relating to automatic voter registration when a driver's license or identification card is issued or changed. (2021-03) source
- Authored SB 120 (2023), relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter. (2023-02) source
- Authored SB 145 (2025), relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter. (2025-02) source
- Voted no on SB 16 (2025), which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote; it passed the Senate 20 to 11. (2025-04-01) source
Nuclear powerBack new reactors with public funds, tax credits, and streamlined approvalsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted yes on HB 14 (2025), which created the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and a fund with grant programs to support new nuclear development; it passed the Senate 26 to 5. (2025-05-27) source
Childcare and pre-KTarget free pre-K and subsidies to low-income and priority familiesmedium
Official action · medium confidence- Authored SB 175 (2025), relating to providing free prekindergarten for certain children. (2025-02) source
Housing and growthAllow townhomes and apartments in more places to bring prices downlow
Voted · low confidence- Voted yes on SB 840 (2025), which limits city rules that block mixed-use and multifamily housing in commercial areas; it passed the Senate 23 to 7. (2025-03-24) source
HealthcareKeep the Affordable Care Act and fix what is brokenlow
Official action · low confidence- Was a joint author of SB 125 (2023), relating to the expansion of eligibility for Medicaid under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (2023-02) source
- Was a joint author of SB 255 (2025), relating to the expansion of eligibility for Medicaid under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (2025-02) source
AbortionNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on the final version of SB 8 (2021), the Texas Heartbeat Act; the Senate concurred 18 to 12. (2021-05-13) source
- Voted no on HB 1280 (2021), the law banning abortion if Roe v. Wade was overturned; it passed the Senate 19 to 12. (2021-05-25) source
- Authored SB 44 (2021, third called session), relating to sexual assault and incest exceptions to the prohibition on abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat. (2021-09) source
- Authored SB 1682 (2025), relating to exceptions to and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion; as introduced it adds exceptions for rape, incest, non-viable pregnancies and future infertility. (2025-03) source
- Voted no on SB 33 (2025), which bars local governments from funding travel or logistical support for abortions; it passed the Senate 22 to 9. (2025-04-16) source
- Voted no on HB 7 (2025, second called session), which restricts the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs; it passed the Senate 17 to 8. (2025-09-03) source
Transgender athletesNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on HB 25 (2021, third called session), which requires K-12 athletes to compete based on sex assigned at birth; it passed the Senate 19 to 12. (2021-10-15) source
- Voted no on the final version of SB 15 (2023), which requires college athletes to compete based on biological sex; the Senate concurred 19 to 12. (2023-05-26) source
China policyNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidenceGender care for minorsNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on the final version of SB 14 (2023), which bans gender transition procedures and treatments for minors; the Senate approved it 19 to 12. (2023-05-17) source
Curriculum and booksNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on HB 900 (2023), which regulates library materials sold to or kept in public school libraries; it passed the Senate 19 to 12. (2023-05-23) source
- Voted no on SB 13 (2025), which creates local school library advisory councils and expands parental rights over school library materials; it passed the Senate 23 to 8. (2025-03-19) source
ImmigrationNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on SB 4 (2023, fourth called session), which made illegal entry into Texas a state crime; it passed the Senate 17 to 11. (2023-11-09) source
- Voted no on SB 8 (2025), which requires certain sheriffs to seek agreements with ICE; the Senate adopted the final version 20 to 11. (2025-05-31) source
Religion in schoolsNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on SB 11 (2025), which lets school boards set a period for prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts; it passed the Senate 23 to 7. (2025-03-18) source
- Voted no on SB 10 (2025), which requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms; the Senate approved the final version 21 to 10. (2025-05-28) source
Energy and climateNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on SB 388 (2025), which set goals for new generation to come from dispatchable sources such as natural gas; it passed the Senate 18 to 13. (2025-03-19) source
- Voted yes on SB 819 (2025), which added permit rules and fees for renewable energy generation facilities; it passed the Senate 25 to 6. (2025-04-15) source
School vaccinesNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on the final version of HB 1586 (2025), which requires the state to post the school vaccine exemption affidavit form online; it passed the Senate 23 to 8. (2025-05-25) source
MarijuanaNo single answer fitsmedium
Official action · medium confidence- Authored SB 90 (2021) and SB 2040 (2021), relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution and sale of medical cannabis for medical use by qualified patients. (2021-03) source
- Authored SB 121 (2023), relating to authorizing medical cannabis for qualified patients. (2023-02) source
- Authored SB 170 (2025) and SB 734 (2025), relating to authorizing medical cannabis for qualified patients. (2025-02) source
- Was a joint author of SB 54 (2025, first called session), relating to the regulation, possession, use and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products, including expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct. (2025-07) source
- Was a joint author of SB 31 (2025, second called session), the same cannabis regulation and taxation bill with expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct. (2025-08) source
- Voted no on the final version of SB 3 (2025), which would have banned most consumable hemp products containing THC; the Senate approved it 25 to 6 and the governor later vetoed it. (2025-05-25) source
Property taxesNo single answer fitsmedium
Voted · medium confidence- Voted no on SB 10 (2025, second called session), which lowered the voter-approval tax rate limit for certain local taxing units; it passed the Senate 18 to 12. (2025-08-19) source
No public position found on: Safety net programs, Minimum wage, Business regulation, AI data centers, Policing and crime, Judges, Politicians trading stocks, Term limits, Campaign finance, Electoral College, Ranked-choice voting, Death penalty, Qualified immunity, Mandatory minimums, Drug prices, Paid leave, Student loans, AI regulation, Kids online, E-Verify mandate.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.