(The Center Square) – Election Day in Texas has morphed into a two-week period. In-person early voting began Tuesday, Feb. 17, and continues through Friday, Feb. 27. The primary election is March 3.
Several key races are at stake and multiple propositions are on the Democratic and Republican ballots. During early voting, Texans may cast a ballot at any polling location in their county of registration.
There are 18,657,918 registered voters this primary election, Secretary of State Jane Nelson said.
“Nearly 19 million Texans are registered to vote, and my office and election officials across the state are working to make sure all Texas voters who want to participate in the primary election are confident in the process and ready to cast a ballot,” she said. “Early voting is a convenient way to cast your ballot and avoid the rush of Election Day,” Nelson said in a statement. “Now is a good time to plan when you will vote and decide what form of ID you will bring to the polls.”
Several key races are on the ballot including one of the most contentious for U.S. Senate. Two Republicans are challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn: Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Two Democrats are running: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico.
This election, Texans will for the first time in a decade be voting for a new attorney general without an incumbent in the race. Republicans seeking to replace Paxton are his former deputy Aaron Reitz, who has never been elected to public office; state Sen. Joan Huffman, a former Harris County district judge and prosecutor who was the lead author of major crime bills; state Sen. Mays Middleton, a Republican from Galveston, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whom President Donald Trump threatened to primary for not agreeing with him on several issues. Two Democrats are running: state Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.
Three Democrats and four Republicans are running for state comptroller, including Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, a Republican endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott. One of his challengers, former state Sen. Don Huffines, has been criticized by Republicans for secretly purchasing the Epstein Ranch in New Mexico, where multiple underage girls were reportedly sex-trafficked, tortured and raped, according to claims by local lawmakers and recently released Epstein files.
Another key battle is over the next leader of the Texas Department of Agriculture. The credibility of the agency is at the center of contention causing multiple Republicans, including Abbott, to endorse Nate Sheets, who is challenging incumbent Sid Miller, The Center Square reported. Democrat Clayton Tucker is also running.
All 150 Texas House seats are up for election to a two-year-term. The majority of incumbents are running for reelection, many unopposed. Sixteen state senate seats are up for election to a four-year term.
All Texas congressional seats are up for election, with nearly all in newly redrawn districts. Several Democrats could lose their seats due to the new map that is in effect.
Eight members of Texas’ State Board of Education are up for election in districts 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 14.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is running for reelection against four unknown challengers. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is favored to win the Democratic primary against two others to challenge Patrick in November.
Of the 24 candidates who’ve filed to run for governor, none are favored to beat Abbott, who is running for his fourth term. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, is favored to win the Democratic primary in March.
There are 10 propositions on the Republican primary ballot, with banning Sharia Law at the top of the list, The Center Square reported.
There are 13 propositions on the Democratic Party ballot. They include expanding Medicaid; supporting “humane and dignified immigration policies and pathways to citizenship;” legalizing abortion; addressing the state’s housing crisis; fully funding public schools; securing online voter registration; ensuring a clean and healthy environment; legalizing cannabis; increasing salaries for current and retired school and state employees; banning mid-decade redistricting and creating a non-partisan redistricting board to redraw lines every 10 years; increasing taxes on the wealthy; expanding access to public transportation; and implementing “red flag” laws.
