This article was updated on Aug. 13, 2026 to reflect the winners of the primary and runoff elections.
When Texas voters head to the polls in November, they’ll have a large say in shaping public education as eight of the 15 seats on the State Board of Education are up for grabs. Here’s what to know.
How many members are on the board?
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is made up of 15 members that are elected from districts across the state.
Each member represents nearly two million people, and serves either two- or four-year terms.
What does the board do?
The SBOE is required to meet at least quarterly, and meetings are open to the public. The board sets policies and standards for Texas public schools.
This includes reviewing and adopting instructional materials—including Bluebonnet Learning and social studies curriculum—establishing graduation requirements, overseeing the Texas Permanent School Fund, appointing board members to military reservation and special school districts, providing final review of rules proposed by the State Board for Educator Certification, and reviewing new charter schools.
The SBOE runs parallel with the Texas Education Agency, which is run by a commissioner that’s appointed by the governor. It doesn’t have any direct authority over local school districts—those are run by local school board trustees.
There are also leadership positions within the SBOE. A chair, which is appointed by the governor from the 15 elected members. The chair requires Senate approval and serves a two-year term. The board also includes a vice chair and secretary, which are elected by the board members for two-year terms.
What seats are up for election in 2026?
Eight out of 15 seats are up for election in 2026, and the winners will serve a four-year term.
- District 2—Brownsville
- District 5—San Marcos
- District 6—Houston
- District 7—Dickson
- District 8—Nacagdoches
- District 9—Lufkin
- District 13—Dallas
- District 14—Robinson
Who’s running?
District 2 incumbent, Republican LJ Francis, was defeated in the March primary by Victoria Hinojosa, who will face Democrat Thomas Garcia in the general election in November.
In District 5, which represents Bastrop, Guadalupe, and Travis county, current Democratic representative Rebecca Mell-Metereau is not seeking reelection. Democrat Allison Bush will face Republican Mica Arellano for the seat.
In District 6, Republican Will Hickman is also not seeking reelection. Democrat Michelle Palmer will face Republican Tiffany Nelson in the Houston-area district.
Democrat Tiffany Perkinz is looking unseat Republican incumbent Julie Pickren in District 7, which represents Galveston and Fort Bend.
In District 8, Republican incumbent Audrey Young is hoping to defend her seat against Democrat Dana Van de Walker.
In District 9, Democrat Ericka Ledferd is hoping to defeat Kason Huddleston. Incumbent Republican Keven Ellis opted not to seek re-election.
Democrat incumbent Tiffany Clark, who was elected in 2024, is looking to hold onto her seat in District 13 against Republican April Williams Moore .
Finally, in District 14, Republican Mindy Bumgarner and Democrat Amy Taylor will face each other after Republican Evelyn Brooks didn’t seek reelection and threw her hat in the Republican primary for Governor, where she was defeated in March by Greg Abbott.
When can I vote?
Early voting in the general election will run from Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Are you ready to vote? Check your registration here.
