The Republican Party of Texas has placed 10 issue propositions on the 2026 Republican Primary ballot. These questions are not constitutional amendments and will not change law by themselves. Rather, they give Republican voters an opportunity to signal their priorities to the Texas Legislature, the governing party leadership, and state policymakers before the next legislative session. This process is a longstanding practice in GOP primaries in Texas and functions as an internal policy survey during the nomination process.
Below is a concise explanation of each proposition and the underlying policy context.
Proposition 1 — Property Taxes Assessed at Purchase Price
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas property taxes should be assessed at the purchase price rather than market value and phased out entirely over six years through spending reductions.
Purpose: This proposition tells lawmakers that Republican primary voters support structural changes to property tax rules, aiming for stability and predictability in tax assessments. Property tax relief has been a top issue for GOP voters as local property values rise.
Proposition 2 — Voter Approval for Local Tax Increases
Ballot Text (Summary): Any local government budget that results in higher property taxes should require approval by voters in a November general election.
Purpose: This communicates support for enhanced voter control over local tax and spending decisions. It signals that party voters prefer a direct say on tax increases rather than leaving those decisions solely to local governing boards.
Proposition 3 — Healthcare Access Regardless of Vaccination Status
Ballot Text (Summary): No one should be denied healthcare or medical services based solely on vaccination status.
Purpose: This question signals that Republican voters want the Legislature to consider statutory protections for healthcare access irrespective of personal vaccination history.
Proposition 4 — Life Education Standards in Public Schools
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas public schools should be required to teach that life begins at fertilization.
Purpose: While curriculum decisions are typically determined by the State Board of Education, this proposition sends a clear message to state leaders that primary voters believe biological life definitions should be reflected in public education.
Proposition 5 — Ban on Certain Clinics in K–12 Schools
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas should ban gender, sexuality, and reproductive clinics and related services in K–12 schools.
Purpose: This signals a preference that the Legislature and SBOE limit the presence of clinical services in schools that provide gender, sexuality, or reproductive care.
Proposition 6 — Term Limits for Elected Officials
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas should enact term limits on all elected officials.
Purpose: This proposition communicates to state lawmakers and the party’s legislative agenda that Republican primary voters support term limits as a principle for public service at all levels.
Proposition 7 — Ban Large-Scale Export of Water
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas should ban the large-scale sale or export of its groundwater and surface water to a single private or public entity.
Purpose: As water rights and management continue to be a priority for rural and agricultural communities, this question encourages lawmakers to protect Texas water resources from extensive external transfers.
Proposition 8 — End Public Services for Illegal Aliens
Ballot Text (Summary): The Legislature should reduce the burden of illegal immigration on taxpayers by ending public services for illegal aliens.
Purpose: This signposts that Republican voters want state policymakers to focus on fiscal impacts of immigration policy and potentially restrict access to taxpayer-funded services for individuals in the country unlawfully.
Proposition 9 — GOP Control of Legislative Leadership Positions
Ballot Text (Summary): Republican-controlled Legislature should stop awarding leadership roles (committee chairs, vice chairs) to Democrats.
Purpose: This proposition expresses party voter preference for Republican majority control and leadership within the Legislature, making a statement about internal legislative organization and party discipline.
Proposition 10 — Prohibit Sharia Law in Texas
Ballot Text (Summary): Texas should prohibit Sharia Law.
Purpose: This proposition sends a policy preference to the Legislature to consider language or statutes that explicitly prohibit the application of foreign legal principles such as Sharia within the state. While existing law already limits conflicting systems, the question signals that state voters want an explicit affirmation against foreign legal codes in Texas law.
How These Propositions Are Used
These propositions are not binding and do not result in immediate legal or constitutional change. Instead:
1. They serve as a mandate from the Republican base about what issues matter most to GOP primary voters.
2. They help shape the State Republican Party platform and advocacy goals.
3. They inform legislative priorities ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Results from these propositions are often referenced by policymakers and party leadership as they draft legislation or set committee agendas.
Primary Election Reminder
• The Republican Primary will be held on March 3, 2026.
• These propositions will appear on the GOP ballot along with candidate races.
• Participation helps Republican voters communicate directly with lawmakers and party leaders.