2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 5, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Cole Hefner and Hector Garza. Candidate information follows official Upshur County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Cole Hefner (Republican), Hector Garza (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 5; Cole Hefner 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.
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, Cole Hefner, is on the ballot.
Texas › Upshur County › Texas House District 5
Republican Incumbent
Cole Hefner is a small business owner in the insurance industry who previously ran a construction business for 16 years, according to his official House biography. He formerly served as an Upshur County Commissioner and has represented House District 5 since 2017, chairing the House Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs Committee. He is the incumbent seeking reelection. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Democratic
Per KLTV.
Hector Garza resigned as chairman of the Smith County Democratic Party to run for Texas House District 5, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph. He has said he would prioritize education, mental health and immigration policy if elected, per KLTV. No verified campaign website was found for him as of 2026-09-11. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Who is running for Texas House District 5 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 5, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Cole Hefner and Hector Garza. Candidate information follows official Upshur County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Texas House District 5 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 Upshur 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.
Candidate roster from official Upshur County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Texas election office, or see the full Upshur County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
2 tracked races in Upshur County, Texas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.