Texas Restaurant Association Statement on the 2026 State Election

Texas Restaurant Association Statement on the 2026 State Election

AUSTIN, TX (November 6, 2026) - The Texas Restaurant Association congratulates Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa, Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin, and all newly elected and returning leaders across the state. We look forward to working together to advance a shared priority at this critical moment: helping Texas families and local businesses thrive.

Restaurants are the heartbeat of every community across our state. Collectively, Texas' restaurant and foodservice businesses employ nearly 1.5 million Texans, making the industry the state's largest private-sector employer. At the same time, about 90% of restaurants are small businesses facing all the challenges of operating on especially narrow profit margins.

Today, our local restaurants face the same affordability pressures as the families they serve. In fact, half of Texas restaurant operators reported they were not profitable last year. Restaurants are struggling to keep menu prices affordable and support their employees while absorbing significantly higher costs across nearly every facet of their businesses.

Restaurant issues are kitchen-table issues. TRA is already developing practical solutions, and we are excited to work alongside Texas policymakers to lower costs, expand access to affordable insurance and childcare, rein in credit card swipe fees that are driving up the prices families pay for everyday essentials and making government more effective, efficient and transparent.

As we look ahead, we also thank Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and all departing policymakers for their years of service to Texas and its people.

Our industry's success is inseparable from the wellbeing of the people we employ, the families we serve and the communities that depend on us. TRA will work alongside new and returning leaders to turn shared priorities into meaningful results for Texas families and local businesses. When local restaurants succeed, Texas succeeds.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) serves as the leading advocate and resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. Representing the state's $142 billion restaurant industry and more than 57,000 locations, TRA works to protect, advance and educate the industry's 1.4 million employees. Alongside the Texas Restaurant Foundation, TRA continues to drive growth and innovation throughout the hospitality sector. For more information, visit txrestaurant.org.