Early voting shows increased Democratic enthusiasm in Texas and Georgia

An ABC News analysis of early voting data in Texas and Georgia indicates a rise in enthusiasm among Democratic voters, particularly those who do not vote regularly, as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

The analysis, based on data from voter records firm L2 and turnout models, shows Democrats receiving a slightly higher share of early votes from less-habitual voters compared to the 2022 midterms, especially in Texas.

More than 39 million Americans had voted early by Wednesday afternoon, according to the Election Lab at the University of Florida, with over 5 million early ballots cast in Texas alone, representing more than 20% of registered voters in the state.

The surge in early turnout appears to come mainly from voters who might have otherwise voted later or on Election Day, and while the data does not specify individual vote choices, modeling predicts these less-frequent voters are more likely to support Democrats.

Key races in Texas include contests for Senate and governor, where Democrats aim to flip the state despite recent challenges in winning statewide elections.