← Back to Austin Mayor
Endorsements — May 26 Primary Runoff
Last updated: 2026-05-15
A running list of endorsements that matter for the Austin area in the May 26, 2026 Texas primary runoff election — federal, state, and local. We summarize each endorsing outlet's reasoning and link to the original write-up.
AustinMayor.com
The one editorial position taken on an otherwise impartial reference site.
Austin City Council, District 9 · November 3, 2026
Civil engineer with a UT Ph.D., founder of BioBQ, fourth-generation Texan. Collected 4,000+ signatures as a volunteer to put the convention center bond to a public vote. Platform: Keep Austin Musical, Memorable, Moving, Magical — no highway expansions. Full reasoning at
/endorsements/katiekam/.
The Austin Chronicle
The Chronicle's editorial board urged readers to vote in every contest on the runoff ballot, not just the headliners. Their slate runs Democratic across federal, state, and local races.
U.S. House, District 35
Johnny Garcia
Editors cited Garcia's law-enforcement background and conventional Democratic approach as the stronger fit for holding a gerrymandered district against a Republican challenge. They described opponent Maureen Galindo's campaign as "unpracticed" and "unprofessional."
Lieutenant Governor
Vikki Goodwin
The four-term state representative from Austin earned the nod for her progressive legislative record. Labor leader Marcos Vélez was seen as a serious contender, but the board prioritized policy experience that would translate immediately if she presides over the Senate.
Attorney General
Nathan Johnson
Both runoff candidates were viewed as upgrades over outgoing AG Ken Paxton, but Johnson's 2018 win flipping a Republican state Senate seat, his record of Democratic effectiveness since, and his stronger fundraising made him the pick for the general election.
State Board of Education, District 5
Allison Bush
Editors pointed to Bush's experience inside Texas public schools and her focus on funding neighborhood education as the key differentiators from challenger Stephanie Bazan.
Texas House, District 49
Montserrat Garibay and Kathie Tovo
A dual endorsement — rare for the Chronicle — reflecting a split between board members who favored Garibay's grassroots organizing strength and those drawn to Tovo's record as an experienced policymaker.
Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 4
George Morales
The former constable's deep community relationships gave him the edge over Susanna Ledesma-Woody on the issues facing Precinct 4 voters, particularly transportation access and healthcare delivery.
Austin American-Statesman
Pending source. The Statesman’s editorial board endorsements are behind a paywall that blocks automated retrieval. This section will be populated once the slate is provided. Independently confirmed so far: Montserrat Garibay received the Statesman’s endorsement in Texas House District 49.
Sources
This page summarizes endorsements from other outlets for reference, alongside the one editorial position AustinMayor.com has taken (Katie Kam for District 9). Read the original endorsement articles for each outlet’s full reasoning.