Will there be an election recount in Texas? What state law says

by Junna Base November 11, 2024

After President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory, many are wondering whether there will be a recount.

At the national level, the Republican candidate won with 50.9% of the vote, putting him in the lead by around 4.7 million votes. He also received 295 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 needed to win the presidency.

Here’s what state law says.

Will there be a recount of the US presidential election in Texas?

In Texas, Trump received 56.3% of the vote, surpassing his opponent by around 1.5 million votes. In total, Trump received 295 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 needed to win the presidency.

Under Texas election law, a recount can be requested if the margin of votes between candidates is less than 10% of the winning candidate’s total vote count. Given Trump’s significant lead of 1.5 million votes in the state, that margin is well above the threshold and a recount will not occur.

Recount rules in key swing states

Arizona: According to state election law, a recount is required if the gap between the two leading candidates is 0.5% or less of the total votes.
Georgia: Candidates can request a recount if the margin is 0.5% or less. Additionally, recounts may be requested if an error or discrepancy in results is suspected.
Michigan: The state requires an automatic recount if the gap between candidates is 2,000 votes or less. Candidates can also request a recount if they believe “fraud or error” may have affected their chances of winning.
Nevada: Candidates can request a recount by filing with the Secretary of State and paying an estimate in advance.
North Carolina: Recounts can be requested if the margin is less than 0.5% or 10,000 votes.
Pennsylvania: A statewide recount will be ordered if the margin is 0.5% or less, according to a 2023 directive from the Secretary of State.
Wisconsin: Candidates can request a recount if the margin is 1% or less.