Monday was the deadline to file for a spot on the ballot in party primary elections. Starting after Christmas the airwaves will be full of election ads, and we will have the chance to get to know the candidates.
As many of you may know, the turnout for the primaries is very low. Only 25% of Texans vote in the primaries. This is especially important when we look at the way districts are drawn in Texas. Most are distinctly Republican or Democratic and whoever wins the primary will most certainly win the general election.
The Candidates
Running unopposed in the Republican primary are incumbent State Senators, Kelly Hancock, and Brian Birdwell. Also unopposed are incumbent State Representatives, Tony Tinderholt, David Cook, Craig Goldman, and Charlie Geren. Geren and Goldman are representatives of Fort Worth. Then we have Representative Jeff Cason’s seat, who is in House District 92, that has been redrawn and will likely be a Democratic district. Joe Livingston will be running unopposed to be the Republican challenger for this District.
As for the opposed, two House Republicans drew challengers for the 2022 primaries. State Representative, Stephanie Klick, drew four primary opponents: Benjamin Damico, David Lowe, Anthony Reed and David Silvey. State Representative, Giovanni Capriglione, will be on the Republican primary ballot with one challenger: Mitchell T. Ryan.
The redrawing of Senate District 10 has almost assured there to be a Republican winner in the general election. Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce member, Warren Norred, and State Representative, Phil King of Weatherford, have both filed for the Republican primary. Incumbent State Senator, Beverly Powell, is unopposed in the Democratic primary for District 10.
Incumbent County Commissioner precinct 2, Devan Allen, has decided not to run for re-election. Two Republicans have filed as candidates to replace her, former Commissioner, Andy Nguyen, as well as, Jose Riesco. County Judge Glen Whitley has also decided not to run and five Republicans are in the primary race to replace him: former Ft. Worth Mayor, Betsy Price, as well as, Byron Bradford, Robert Buker, Kristen Collins and Tim O’Hare.
Tarrant County’s District Attorney, Sharen Wilson, will also not run for re-election. Three Republicans have filed for the primary to fill her position: State Representative, Matt Krause, as well as Phil Sorrels and Molle Westfall.
The primary elections are one of the most important political races because they directly impact the Greater Arlington area.
We will post a follow-up blog where we report on the Democratic primary races.