Who's In the Race
Texas's 13th Congressional District seat is open for 2026, paving the way for a face off between Republican incumbent Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Democratic challenger Mark Nair on Nov. 3. Jackson is a physician and retired U.S. Navy rear admiral who has held the seat since 2021, and Nair is an educator and entrepreneur who served on the Amarillo City Council from 2015 to 2017.
Jackson served as White House physician under three administrations and retired from the Navy in 2019 after 25 years of service. He won the Republican primary with about 90% of the vote over Chasity Wedgeworth. Nair ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
What They Stand For
Jackson has supported a border wall and the "Remain in Mexico" policy, saying a secure border is necessary for a strong nation; has opposed red-flag laws and supported removing tax and registration requirements for firearm silencers; has said he will protect unborn life and defund Planned Parenthood; has backed expanding domestic energy production, calling control of U.S. energy essential to national security; and has said he will support Texas agriculture, strengthen national defense and veterans' services, and rein in federal spending.
Nair, on his campaign platform, has proposed that Congress, not the president, control tariffs, arguing that would bring stability to household costs; has said "Healthcare is a right" and proposed medical-price transparency, a path toward Medicare for All, and more federal support for rural hospitals; has proposed expanding affordable-housing incentives and restricting corporations from buying single-family homes; has supported federal consumer-privacy protections and limits on government use of artificial intelligence; and has said he will support family farms through reformed farm programs, water protections, and action against corporate control of agricultural supply chains.
The Money Behind the Race
Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show Jackson raised about $4 million through June 30 and had about $5.4 million in cash on hand. Nair raised about $102,000 through June 30 and had about $14,000 in the bank, according to FEC filings.
Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets
The Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Republican as of Sept. 25; Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Republican as of Sept. 29; and Inside Elections rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 2. On Kalshi, traders gave Republicans a 95.05% chance of winning the seat as of Oct. 8; Democrats stood at 4.95%.
Jackson won about 75% of the vote in 2022 and 100% of the vote in 2024. Statewide, Republicans held 25 of Texas's 38 U.S. House seats after both the 2022 and 2024 elections, while nationwide, Donald Trump carried Texas in the 2024 presidential election with about 56% of the vote.
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