On February 13, 2026, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) released its endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election on March 3, 2026.* 

THLN endorses candidates based on their overall voting record and platform, performance on animal welfare issues as an incumbent, and their previous records at the local level. Since 1975, THLN has passed essential legislation that has improved the lives of Texas animals, always with the support and dedication of key elected officials. The list of endorsements includes the candidates in contested primary races who THLN believes will fight the hardest for Texas animals in the 2027 legislative session and beyond. 

“Animal welfare is a nonpartisan issue. THLN endorses both Republican and Democratic candidates who have proven they care about Texas animals and will support and champion the passage of humane legislation,” said Jaime Olin, Interim Executive Director of THLN. “We encourage Texas voters who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals to consider our endorsements because we need these advocates back in the Capitol in 2027 to help pass strong animal welfare laws.”

THLN’s 2026 Primary Election Endorsements are as follows:

*We choose to endorse these candidates based on three major criteria: 

1. The candidate’s overall voting record and platform,

2. The candidate’s performance on animal protection issues as an incumbent, and

3. The candidate’s prospect of mounting a credible, competitive campaign.

THLN only endorses in contested races where, among other things, an incumbent has a voting record we can evaluate. In many races, those conditions aren’t met, so we cannot apply reliable scoring criteria and therefore cannot issue an endorsement. Please also note that we issue endorsements only for state offices and do not endorse federal offices. Our goal is for Texas to be a more humane place for animals, and for our state legislature to pass the necessary laws to protect them and eliminate cruelty. Thus, we encourage those who care deeply about these issues to consider and be guided by our endorsements, and to support candidates who will advance a humane agenda.