Hidalgo County, Texas

Texas House District 40

2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 40, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Terry Canales and Celeste Cabrera-Huff. Candidate information follows official Hidalgo County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Terry Canales (Democratic), Celeste Cabrera-Huff (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 40; Terry Canales is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Terry Canales, is on the ballot.

Texas › Hidalgo County › Texas House District 40

Terry Canales

Democratic Incumbent

Top priorities

Education
Healthcare
Water resources

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Canales is the Texas House District 40 state representative and an Edinburg attorney whose practice covers oil and gas litigation, criminal defense, family law and municipal law, per the campaign site. He earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law and previously worked in the oil fields as a roustabout and backhoe operator before becoming an attorney, per the campaign site. He has chaired the House Transportation Committee for three legislative sessions, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Celeste Cabrera-Huff

Republican

Top priorities

Cut property taxes and stop unfair appraisal practices
Expand health care access, including telehealth and maternity care
Strengthen penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and support survivor services

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Celeste Cabrera-Huff is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 40 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Is a business owner with professional experience building health clinics in South Texas, per campaign site. Is a survivor of domestic abuse and an Edinburg resident, per campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotTexas House District 41

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Texas House District 40 in 2026?

When is the Texas House District 40 election in Texas?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Texas are on the Texas election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Hidalgo County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Hidalgo County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Texas election office, or see the full Hidalgo County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Hidalgo County ballot

31 tracked races in Hidalgo County, Texas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Hidalgo County Judge Criminal District Attorney, Hidalgo County District Clerk See all 31 Hidalgo County races

Candidate profiles

Terry Canales, full profile Celeste Cabrera-Huff, full profile Official Texas election office