2026 is already filled with storylines that will shape the Houston region — from who leads us to how we travel, learn and live.
The big picture: From a global sporting event to high-stakes elections and daily commutes, here are some of the local stories we’ll be watching this year.
World Cup: Houston will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the city will transform as visitors from across the world arrive.
- Expect FIFA branding and a lot of soccer-themed motifs and events everywhere. Major projects — including the Main Street Promenade — are slated to wrap up ahead of World Cup.
Harris County Judge: County Judge Lina Hidalgo is not running for reelection, opening the door to one of the most competitive local races. The seat was held by Republicans for decades before Hidalgo unseated Ed Emmett in 2018.
- Democrats in the field include former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and former City Council at-large member Letitia Plummer. Republicans running include Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton and former Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez.
Midterm elections: Texas’ new congressional map will be tested at the ballot box, particularly in Districts 18 and 9. Rep. Al Green was drawn out of his longtime district and will now run in the newly configured 18th, while his old district (the 9th) now leans heavily Republican.
- For the U.S. Senate race, Sen. John Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston.
Roads: Major closures on I-10 and I-45 will continue to disrupt daily routines and reroute commutes.
- The I-10 westbound between I-45 North Freeway and Houston Avenue will shrink to two lanes through mid-2026, while the I-10 eastbound connector ramp to I-45 northbound will remain closed.
Self-driving taxis: Waymo says it will begin offering fully driverless rides via its app in early 2026.
- The rollout comes after GM’s now-defunct Cruise briefly operated robotaxis in Houston in 2023 before the company shuttered.
Airport: The long-awaited overhaul of Terminal B at Bush Intercontinental Airport is expected to be completed in fall 2026…