Texas Runoffs: Likely New Members Chosen in Four Districts
Governor. Greg Abbott (R) elected 2014 (59%). Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez won the Democratic runoff over Andrew White, son of former Democratic Gov. Mark White (1983-1987). Valdez will face the governor, who won renomination easily with 90 percent in the March 6 primary. If Democrats are going to win statewide in Texas this year, it’s more likely to be Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s challenge to GOP Sen. Ted Cruz. Abbott has over $40 million in campaign funds, will win re-election, and likely be in the 2020 presidential discussion if President Donald Trump doesn’t seek a second term. Rating: Solid Republican.
2nd District. (Open; Ted Poe, R, not seeking re-election). Trump 52%. Former Navy Seal Dan Crenshaw defeated state Rep. Kevin Roberts in the GOP primary runoff. Crenshaw is the favorite to win this Harris County district, which stretches from the west to the north of Houston. But some Democrats believe the Democratic nominee, Todd Litton, has the profile to take advantage of an electoral wave. Rating: Solid Republican.
5th District (Open; Jeb Hensarling, R, not seeking re-election). Trump 63%. State Rep. Lance Gooden defeated former Hensarling campaign manager Bunni Pounds in the GOP runoff southeast of Dallas. The Democratic nominee, former Terrell City Councilman Danny Wood, had $2,000 in the bank on March 31. Rating: Solid Republican.
6th District (Open; Joe Barton, R, not seeking re-election). Trump 54%. Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector Ron…
