Texas › Travis County › Texas House District 50
2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 50, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Samantha Lopez-Resendez and Howard Olsen. Candidate information follows official Travis County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Samantha Lopez-Resendez (Democratic), Howard Olsen (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 50. Not on the November ballot: James Talarico, the sitting member per the 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.
Samantha Lopez-Resendez is the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 50 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Has served as chief of staff to state Rep. Donna Howard at the Texas Capitol, per campaign site. Is a former bilingual educator and the daughter of immigrants, per campaign site.
2026 priorities (per the campaign site)
- Strengthen public schools and invest in teachers
- Protect access to health care
- Defend workers' rights and government accountability
Source: candidate campaign site, roster verified 2026-09-06.
Campaign site →
Howard Olsen is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 50 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Is a combat veteran with 11 years of service including with an Army Ranger battalion and Psychological Operations, per campaign site. Has worked as a first responder and organized disaster relief aid for flood victims, per campaign site.
2026 priorities (per the campaign site)
- Support firefighters and first responders
- Support veterans transitioning from military service
- Provide teachers in overcrowded classrooms with better resources
Source: candidate campaign site, roster verified 2026-09-06.
Campaign site →
