Governor

Current: Greg Abbott (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

In the 2022 midterm elections, the top race on ballots in Texas will be for governor. The current head of the executive branch in the Lone Star State is Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking his third term. He won the Republican primaries in 2014 and 2018 handily with over 90 percent of the vote each time and won the general elections with 59 percent and 56 percent respectively. Despite several GOP challengers this year, Abbott won the Republican nomination again with 66 percent.

Former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke, who previously launched senatorial and presidential bids, is the Democratic nominee for governor. He was the frontrunner in the Democratic primary and won the nomination in March with 91 percent of the vote.

It is likely to be among the most expensive races in the country, with Abbott’s campaign indicating it aims to spend over $100 million coupled with O’Rourke’s previous fundraising prowess. Sitting at the top of the ticket, both candidates hope their campaigns influence down-ballot races for their respective parties.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Greg Abbott Defeats Beto O’Rourke in High-Spending Race for Governor, Wins Third Term
• Here Are Eight Things in Texas to Watch on Election Day
• Beto O’Rourke Looks to Outrun Economy, Border in Underdog Shot for Governor
• Beto O’Rourke’s Rallies at Polling Locations May Have Violated Election Laws
• Between Three Years of Chaos and Impending Policy Fight, Gov. Abbott Seeks Third Term
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• The Back Mic: Trump to Hold October Rally, Phelan Donates to Some GOP House Members, Latest Campaign Ads Listed
• Abbott, Democrats Received Another $132,000 From Las Vegas Sands’ Pro-Casino PAC
• The Back Mic: Fundraising Breakdown of Statewide Races
• GOP Focus On Public Safety in Harris County May Pay November Dividends
• Abbott and O’Rourke Trade Blows in Texas’ Lone Gubernatorial Debate
• GOP Focus On Public Safety in Harris County May Pay November Dividends
• Abbott and O’Rourke Trade Blows in Texas’ Lone Gubernatorial Debate
• Abortion, Inflation, Uvalde: A Preview of the Texas Governor’s Debate
• ‘Beto is Just So Bad’: Abbott Primary Opponents, Critics Back Incumbent They Had Hoped to Unseat
• ‘An Abortion Is Taking the Life of a Baby,’ Gov. Abbott Says Defending Texas Abortion Law
• Rolling The Dice On Abortion: Statewide Democrats Place Campaign Spotlight On Texas Restrictions
• Abbott Up 7 Points On O’Rourke, Paxton Up 2 On Garza In Poll Of Registered Voters
• Greg Abbott, Beto O’Rourke Debate Set For September In The Rio Grande Valley
• Beto O’Rourke’s Tour Of Rural Texas Takes Progressive Message To GOP Strongholds
• Beto O’Rourke Campaign Staffers Vote To Unionize
• From Uvalde To Roe: A Timeline Of Fundraising Spikes In The Race For Texas Governor
• Billionaire George Soros Contributed $1 Million To Beto O’Rourke’s Record Fundraising Haul
• Beto O’Rourke Outraises Abbott In Newest Finance Numbers, Governor Reports $46 Million War Chest
• Gun Policy Takes Center Stage In Texas Governor Race After Uvalde Shooting
• Texas GOP Says Gov. Abbott Hasn’t Accepted Invitation To Appear At State Republican Convention
• Abbott Backs Eliminating Largest Component Of Property Tax Bills In Texas
• Abbott Commits To ‘State Funding Following Students’ At Campaign Stop, Hinting At School Vouchers
• Beto O’Rourke Declines to Support Any Legal Restriction on Abortion
• O’Rourke Responds To Defamation Suit, Disputes Allegations
• On Statewide Tour, Beto O’Rourke Contradicts Previous Campaign Positions
• Beto O’Rourke Sued For Defamation By Natural Gas Company CEO Over Claims Of Bribery
• Greg Abbott To Face Beto O’Rourke In Heavyweight Texas Governor Race
• Gov. Greg Abbott Wins GOP Primary Outright, Avoiding May Runoff
• The Back Mic: Seliger Retracts Redistricting Claim, O’Rourke Backs Off Gun Confiscation, Local Official’s Brake Lines Cut
• Beto O’Rourke Says Campaign Has 44,000 Volunteers, Aims to Contact 2 Million Voters in February
• Abbott Flexes $18.9 Million Fundraising Haul, GOP Challengers Raise $5.1 Million, O’Rourke Raises $8.9 Million
• Governor Abbott Launches Re-Election Campaign In South Texas Ahead Of March Primary
• Beto O’Rourke Blames Abbott For COVID-19 Hospitalizations Of Fewer Than 300 Minors
• Matthew McConaughey Says He Will Not Run For Texas Governor In 2022
• Beto O’Rourke Announces Run For Governor, Gives Democrats First High-Profile Challenger To Abbott
• Beto O’Rourke Nearing Campaign For Texas Governor
• Former President Trump Endorses Governor Abbott For Re-Election

Polling

• October 19–26: University of Houston (1,200 likely voters; +/- 2.8% MoE)
  • 53% for Abbott; 40% for O’Rourke; 4% undecided
• October 17–19: Emerson College (1,000 likely voters; +/- 3.0% MoE)
  • 52% for Abbott; 42% for O’Rourke; 1% for someone else; 4% undecided
• October 7–17: University of Texas (883 likely voters; +/- 3.3% MoE)
  • 54% for Abbott; 43% for O’Rourke; 4% for someone else
• September 22–26, 2022: Quinnipiac University (1,327 likely voters; +/- 2.7% MoE)
  • 53% for Abbott; 46% for O’Rourke; 1% for “refused to answer”
• August 11–29, 2022: University of Houston (1,312 likely voters; +/- 2.7% MoE)
  • 49% for Abbott; 42% for O’Rourke; 2% for someone else; 7% for “don’t know”
• June 27–July 4, 2022: University of Houston (1,006 likely voters; +/- 2.9% MoE)
  • 49% for Abbott; 44% for O’Rourke; 2% for someone else; 9% for “don’t know”
• June 16–24, 2022: University of Texas (1,200 registered voters; +/- 2.8% MoE)
  • 45% for Abbott; 39% for O’Rourke; 6% for someone else; 10% for “haven’t thought about it enough to have an opinion”
• June 9–13, 2022: Quinnipiac University (1,257; +/- 2.8% MoE)
  • 48% for Abbott; 43% for O’Rourke; 2% for someone else; 5% for N/A; 2% for “wouldn’t vote”
• April 14–22, 2022: University of Texas (1,200 registered voters; +/- 2.83% MoE)
  • 48% for Abbott; 38% for O’Rourke; 7% for someone else; 9% “haven’t thought about it enough to have an opinion”
• February 8–15, 2022: UT Tyler (1,188 registered voters; +/- 2.8% MoE)
  • 45% for Abbott; 38% for O’Rourke; 16% for someone else; 1% not sure
• January 28–February 7, 2022: University of Texas (1,200 registered voters; +/- 2.83% MoE)
  • 47% for Abbott; 37% for O’Rourke; 6% for someone else; 11% “haven’t thought about it enough to have an opinion”
• January 18–25, 2022: UT Tyler (1,082 registered voters; +/- 3.0% MoE)
  • 47% for Abbott; 36% for O’Rourke; 16% for someone else; 1% not sure
• January 14–24, 2022: Hobby School of Public Affairs (1,400 registered voters; +/- 2.2% MoE)
  • 48% for Abbott; 43% for O’Rourke; 2% for Tippetts; 1% for Barrios; 6% “don’t know/unsure”
• December 2–6, 2021: Quinnipiac University (1,224 registered voters; +/-2.8% MoE)
  • 52% for Abbott; 37% for O’Rourke; 4% for “someone else”; 1% “wouldn’t vote”; 6% don’t know
• November 9–16, 2021: UT Tyler (1,106 registered voters; +/-2.9% MoE)
  • 45% for Abbott; 39% for O’Rourke; 16% for someone else
• June 22–29, 2021: UT Tyler (1,090 registered voters; +/-3.0% MoE)
  • 39% for Abbott; 38% for Matthew McConaughey; 23% for someone else
  • 45% for Abbott; 33% for O’Rourke; 22% for someone else
• April 6–13, 2021: UT Tyler (1,126 registered voters; +/-2.9% MoE)
  • 45% for Matthew McConaughey; 33% for Abbott; 22% for someone else

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Lieutenant Governor

Current: Dan Patrick (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is seeking his third term as the state’s second-ranking executive and the presiding officer of the Texas Senate. Patrick has held the role since he ousted former Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the 2014 Republican primary runoff with 65 percent of the vote. He won the general election with 58 percent in 2014 and again in 2018 with 51.3 percent against the Democratic nominee, Mike Collier, who received 46.5 percent.

Collier and Patrick will have a rematch on the November ballot again this year, after the Democrat won the nomination in a runoff against state Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton).

While Collier has liberal stances on the issues, he issued a statement after his runoff victory that included several issues traditionally more important to conservatives, reflecting a more moderate approach than the one Beckley took on the campaign trail.

“With exploding property taxes, chaos at the border, a rickety power grid, our public schools suffering, and our constitutional rights under assault, the fact is Texas cannot bear four more years of Dan Patrick,” Collier wrote.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Defeats Democrat Mike Collier, Wins Third Term as State’s Second-in-Charge
• Attorney for Democrat Mike Collier Demands Stations Cancel Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s ‘False’ Campaign Ad
• Trump Alludes To 2024 Run At Texas Rally, Zeroes In On Border Security And Inflation
• The Back Mic: Trump to Hold October Rally, Phelan Donates to Some GOP House Members, Latest Campaign Ads Listed
• The Back Mic: Fundraising Breakdown of Statewide Races
• Patrick Campaign Blasts ‘Smear Piece’ on Investments in Firm He Criticized for ‘Boycotting’ Oil and Gas
• Dan Patrick Rips High Property Taxes After Collier Touts Backing of GOP County Judge, State Senator
• Rolling the Dice on Abortion: Statewide Democrats Place Campaign Spotlight on Texas Restrictions
• Collier Backs Abortion Rights In Rematch For Lt. Gov. As ‘Trigger Ban’ Takes Effect
• ‘Vouchers Are For Vultures,’ Claims Collier In Speech At Texas Democratic Convention
• Mike Collier Has Raised $3 Million In Bid To Unseat Dan Patrick, Per Campaign
• Mike Collier Wins Democratic Runoff To Challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick In November
• 17 Texas House Democrats Endorse Collier For Lt. Gov. After Beckley’s Call For Him To Drop Out
• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Easily Wins GOP Primary, Democrats Mike Collier And Michelle Beckley To Compete In Runoff
• Field Of Challengers To Lt. Governor Patrick Forms On The Final Day Of Campaign Filing
• Dallas Mayor ‘Disturbed’ After Dowd Drops Bid For Lt. Governor On Grounds Of Race, Sex
• Beckley Announces Candidacy For Lieutenant Governor After Dropping Congressional Bid
• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Draws Opposing Candidates From Left And Right
• The Back Mic: GOP State Rep. Opposes Dan Patrick’s Re-Election, Abbott Tempers Legislative Funding Threat, Revival of Property Tax Break Floated
• The Back Mic: Status of Emergency Item Bills Listed, Collier Poised to Run Again for Lt. Governor, Federal Aid Presents Budget Conundrum

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Attorney General

Current: Ken Paxton (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

Though it was one of the most-watched primary races in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton walked away with the Republican nomination to continue leading the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). He secured his spot on the ballot after winning a runoff race against Land Commissioner George P. Bush with 68 percent of the vote.

In 2018, Paxton won reelection against Democrat Justin Nelson, who campaigned heavily on Paxton’s indictment for securities fraud. In one of the closest statewide races that year, Paxton received 50.6 percent, while Nelson received 47 percent and Libertarian Michael Ray Harris received 2.4 percent.

After a competitive primary and runoff race this year, Democrats nominated former American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney Rochelle Garza to challenge Paxton. In addition to criticism regarding the charges of securities fraud still pending in court, Garza, like Paxton’s Republican challengers, has blasted the incumbent for allegations of abuse of office raised by several of Paxton’s former senior aides.

With Garza known for defending abortion before the Supreme Court and Paxton’s legal challenge to the results of the 2020 presidential election, the race for attorney general is infused with heated partisan differences.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Defeats Democratic Nominee Rochelle Garza
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• The Back Mic: Trump to Hold October Rally, Phelan Donates to Some GOP House Members, Latest Campaign Ads Listed
• The Back Mic: Fundraising Breakdown of Statewide Races
• Garza Pledges Support for Abortion Rights, Criticizes Paxton’s Actions on Border Security
• Rolling The Dice On Abortion: Statewide Democrats Place Campaign Spotlight On Texas Restrictions
• Rochelle Garza Secures Democratic Nomination For Texas Attorney General
• Ken Paxton Wins GOP Nomination For Attorney General, Defeating George P. Bush
• Cornyn Lambasts Paxton Over Legal Issues, Attorney General Blasts Senator As ‘Bush GOP’
• Rochelle Garza, Joe Jaworski Head To Runoff For Democratic Attorney General Nomination After Contested Primary
• Ken Paxton, George P. Bush Head To Runoff For Texas Attorney General
• Attorney General Ken Paxton Seeks State Supreme Court Protection From Whistleblower Act
• State Rep. Matt Krause Drops Attorney General Bid To Run For Tarrant County District Attorney
• Rep. Louie Gohmert Announces Campaign For Texas Attorney General
• Field Of Democratic Texas Attorney General Candidates Broadens As Filing Period Nears
• State Rep. Matt Krause Launches Bid for Texas Attorney General
• Trump Endorses Ken Paxton In Texas Attorney General Reelection Bid
• Eva Guzman Files For Texas Attorney General In Race Against Paxton, Bush
• George P. Bush Announces Challenge To Ken Paxton For Texas Attorney General

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Land Commissioner

Current: George P. Bush (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

Since the current head of the General Land Office (GLO), Land Commissioner George P. Bush, sought a bid for attorney general instead of reelection, he left his current position open for a new candidate to fill.

Out of the crowded Republican primary, state Sen. Dawn Buckingham (R-Lakeway) ultimately emerged as the nominee. In November she will face Democrat Jay Kleberg, who overcame a second-place spot in the March 1 primary to defeat Sandragrace Martinez in the Democratic party runoff on May 24.

Disaster response, natural resource use, school funding, and management of the Alamo all fall under the land commissioner’s purview, making them hot topics for the general election.

Fundraising

Coverage

• The Texas General Land Office: Historic Texas Agency to See New Leadership
• Jay Kleberg Wins Democratic Primary Runoff For Land Commissioner
• Dawn Buckingham Handily Wins GOP Primary Runoff For Land Commissioner
• Party Favorites Emerge In Respective Primary Runoffs For Land Commissioner
• Both Democratic And Republican Races For Texas Land Commissioner Head To Runoff Elections
• Endorsements, Fundraising, Polling Split Democratic Land Commissioner Candidates
• Border Wall, Alamo, Disaster Response Emerge as Key Issues in Texas Land Commissioner Race
• Sen. Dawn Buckingham Announces Campaign for Land Commissioner

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Agriculture Commissioner

Current: Sid Miller (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

While the current Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller, mulled the idea of running for a higher office, he ultimately decided to seek reelection to his current position in 2022. Facing a challenge from state Rep. James White (R-Hillister) and Carey Counsil, Miller won the Republican primary with 58 percent of the vote.

In the Democratic primary, Susan Hays won the nomination outright with 83 percent.

Miller first won election to his position in 2014 with 58.6 percent in the general election, and he was reelected in 2018 with 51.3 percent.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Sid Miller Defeats Susan Hays to Retain Agriculture Commission Seat
• The Back Mic: Fundraising Breakdown of Statewide Races
• Incumbent Sid Miller Wins Republican Primary For Texas Agriculture Commissioner
• Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Stumps for Abbott Challengers on Eve of Primary
• Democratic, Republican Texas Agriculture Commissioner Candidates Criticize Sid Miller’s USDA Lawsuit
• Top Political Consultant to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Indicted for Theft
• State Rep. James White Announces Campaign For Texas Agriculture Commissioner
• The Back Mic: Abbott Names Three Items for July Session, Sid Miller Opts for Re-Election, GOP Lawmaker Joins Democrats in Medicaid Push

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Railroad Commissioner

Current: Wayne Christian (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) regulates the state’s prolific oil and gas industry and is again a target for Texas Democrats and their environmentalist allies.

Current chairman of the RRC, Wayne Christian, is up for reelection for a second term. He was first elected with 53 percent of the vote in November 2016. After a contested GOP primary this year, Christian won the runoff against challenger Sarah Stogner with 65 percent of the vote.

As the only Democratic candidate to file, activist Luke Warford is the minority party’s pick to challenge Christian.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Republican Wayne Christian Defeats Democrat Luke Warford in Railroad Commission Race
• The Back Mic: Fundraising Breakdown of Statewide Races
• GOP Runoff Candidate for Railroad Commissioner Sarah Stogner Endorses Democrat Luke Warford
• VIDEO: Luke Warford, Democratic Railroad Commissioner Nominee, On The Texan’s Podcast
• Wayne Christian Comfortably Wins Railroad Commission Runoff Over Challenger Sarah Stogner
• Controversy, Conflict Define Sarah Stogner’s Weird And Wild Bid For Texas Railroad Commission
• Three Remaining Railroad Commission Candidates Pitch Oil and Gas Executives
• Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian Heads To Runoff Against Attorney Sarah Stogner
• San Augustine Oil and Gas Waste Disposal Site Sparks Local Fight at the Railroad Commission
• GOP Railroad Commission Candidate Sarge Summers Dies in Car Accident
• Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Faces Crowded GOP Primary, One Opposing Democrat

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Comptroller

Current: Glenn Hegar (R)

TPI: R-54%

Background

Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, is up for re-election in 2022. The state’s fiscal officer is seeking his third term. He won the 2014 and 2018 general elections with 58.4 percent and 53.2 percent of the vote, respectively.

After a primary and runoff election, Texas Democrats nominated Janet Dudding to challenge Hegar. An independent candidate, Michael Pepos Berlanga, and a Libertarian candidate, Alonzo Echevarria-Garza, are also running.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Glenn Hegar Secures Third and Final Term as Comptroller, Defeating Democrat Janet Dudding
• Comptroller Glenn Hegar Seeks Final Term Amidst Inflation-Driven Record Tax Collections, Potential Recession
• The Back Mic: Phelan Balks at Tenure Removal, State Tax Collection Trend ‘Cannot Continue,’ Hegar Seeking Last Term as Comptroller

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Texas Congressional Map

15th Congressional District

TPI: D-52%

Background

After a close race between Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-15) and Republican challenger Monica De La Cruz in 2020, GOP lawmakers redrew the map to make Texas’ 15th Congressional District more favorable to their party. With Gonzalez’s decision to run in the 34th Congressional District instead, the seat is open for either a new Republican or Democrat to take his place. Either party still has an opportunity, as Beto O’Rourke carried the district in 2018 while Donald Trump carried it in 2020.

De La Cruz secured the GOP nomination outright, while the Democratic nomination went to a competitive runoff. Michelle Vallejo led the runoff with 30 votes, but Ruben Ramirez requested a recount.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Republican Monica De La Cruz Defeats Democrat Michelle Vallejo for South Texas Congressional Seat
• Bernie Sanders Campaigns for Democrat Michelle Vallejo in Bid for Congress Against Republican Monica De La Cruz
• Congressional Runoffs Between Blue Dog Democrats And Progressives In South Texas Too Close To Call
• De La Cruz Secures GOP Nomination, Democrats Head To Runoff In South Texas Congressional Swing Seat
• South Texas Congressional Districts Broke Leftward Partisan Trend of Suburban Seats
• Fundraising Frontrunners Emerge in Texas’ Open Congressional Races

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23rd Congressional District

TPI: R-54%

Background

Texas’ 23rd Congressional District has been one of the most competitive in Texas in recent years, with a TPI rating of R-50% following the 2020 election.

Lawmakers redrew its boundaries to shore up GOP votes, but the district is still fairly competitive with a TPI of R-54%.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) is seeking reelection and faces Democrat John Lira.

Fundraising

Coverage

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28th Congressional District

TPI: D-57%

Background

For the second straight election, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) faced progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros in a primary and runoff election. He led the runoff by a few hundred votes, but Cisneros requested a recount.

Cuellar is among the most moderate Democrats in Congress and has been targeted by Justice Democrats, the group behind Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s (D-NY) rise that also recruited Cisneros in 2020.

With Republicans fighting to swing the rest of South Texas, the GOP hopes to include TX-28 in its list of November victories.

Republican voters in the district nominated Cassy Garcia, a former Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) staffer.

Fundraising

Coverage

• U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar Wins Tenth Term After Bitter Race With Republican Cassy Garcia
• U.S. Rep. Cuellar Rips ‘Blatantly False Ad’ by Republican Cassy Garcia on Questionable Campaign Donation
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• Congressional Runoffs Between Blue Dog Democrats And Progressives In South Texas Too Close To Call
• Calling Himself ‘Pro-Life,’ Texas Democrat Condemns Possible Reversal Of Roe V. Wade
• Democrat Jessica Cisneros Tops Cruz, Crenshaw With Latest Fundraising Numbers Of Texas Federal Candidates
• Democratic Congressman Cuellar Forced To Runoff Against Repeat Challenger Jessica Cisneros
• AOC Vows to ‘Unionize the Hell Out of This State’ While Campaigning for Texas Progressives
• South Texas Congressional Districts Broke Leftward Partisan Trend of Suburban Seats
• FBI Probe of Congressman Cuellar Investigation Ripples to Campaign

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34th Congressional District

TPI: D-63%

Background

After redistricting changes and the retirement of Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX-34), Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-15) is now seeking election in the coastal South Texas district instead of the inland one he has represented for the past three terms.

Gonzalez secured the Democratic primary outright, but a special election called after Vela resigned mid-term has added a layer of intrigue to the race.

Since he is currently representing the 15th Congressional District, Gonzalez did not file to run in the special election, which will be held under the old boundaries of the district that has a TPI of D-56% rather than the new map that will be used in the general election.

However, Republican nominee Mayra Flores launched a bid in the special election and won outright with over 50 percent of the vote.

Reps. Gonzalez and Flores will now go toe-to-toe under the boundaries of the new district in November.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Vicente Gonzalez Staves Off GOP Blitz, Defeating Mayra Flores for South Texas Congressional Seat
• Incumbents Clash in South Texas Congressional Race Between Republican Mayra Flores and Democrat Vicente Gonzalez
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• Democrat Vicente Gonzalez Says Republican Mayra Flores ‘Stole’ Special Election
• Republican Congresswoman Mayra Flores Cosponsors Border Security Bill After Surprise Victory
• The Back Mic: Musk Applauds Flores Win, Dueling Polls of Governor’s Race, and Speed Bump in Federal Gun Talks
• Republican Mayra Flores Wins Special Election for South Texas Congressional District
• Texas Election Results Tracker: 34th Congressional District Special Election
• Two Democrats, Two Republicans Vie For South Texas Congressional Seat In Tonight’s Special Election
• Gov. Abbott Calls Special Emergency Election To Replace Vela In Texas’ 34th Congressional District
• Congressman Filemon Vela Jr. To Resign Early, Trigger Special Election
• Fundraising Frontrunners Emerge in Texas’ Open Congressional Races
• State Rep. Jasmine Crockett Launches Congressional Campaign to Succeed Eddie Bernice Johnson
• Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Longtime Dallas Democrat, Announces Retirement from Congress
• State Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces Jane Hope Hamilton In Democratic Congressional Runoff

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Texas State Board of Education Map

SBOE District 1

TPI: D-58%

Background

Long held by staunch charter school opponent Georgina Pérez, District 1 is one of the more competitive seats in the State Board of Education (SBOE).

Pérez is one of three SBOE members to step down voluntarily this year. She endorsed Melissa Ortega, a Women’s and Gender Studies professor at the University of Texas, who won the Democratic nomination in a runoff against Laura Márquez.

In the Republican primary, San Antonio teacher Michael “Travis” Stevens won the March 1 primary outright. Stevens boasts an education doctorate and 11 years of high school teaching experience.

Fundraising

Coverage

• American Federation Of Teachers Endorsees Lose In State Board Of Education Primary Runoffs
• Charter School Opponents, Allies Emerge in State Board of Education Vote Records

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SBOE District 2

TPI: D-52%

Background

Currently held by outgoing Democrat Ruben Cortez, District 2 is the most competitive seat in the SBOE. Pharr Economic Development Corporation director Victor Perez won the Democratic primary runoff.

Former teacher LJ Francis was one of several Republican SBOE candidates to campaign against critical race theory and defeat candidates quieter on the issue. He won the March 1 primary with 57 percent of the vote.

Fundraising

Coverage

• American Federation Of Teachers Endorsees Lose In State Board Of Education Primary Runoffs
• Charter School Opponents, Allies Emerge in State Board of Education Vote Records

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SBOE District 3

TPI: D-55%

Background

District 3 is the seat second most likely to swing. Progressive incumbent Marisa Perez-Diaz has held the seat since 2013 and ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. She has a  reputation as one of the board’s most liberal members when it comes to social issues in the curriculum. However, she parted with Pérez and Cortez last year when she voted to approve most of the charters on the board’s agenda.

Insurance agent Ken Morrow defeated retired teacher and principal Lana Holland for the Republican nomination.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Charter School Opponents, Allies Emerge in State Board of Education Vote Records

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SBOE District 6

TPI: R-59%

Background

Freshman member Will Hickman, a Republican, quickly built a reputation as one of the board’s more conservative members after taking the seat in 2020. Only one member, Tom Maynard, voted to approve more charters in 2021, earning Hickman the praise of the Texas Charter School Association.

Hickman will face outspoken progressive Michelle Palmer, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. Palmer has made history and sex education central issues for her curriculum platform. Her notable endorsements include The Houston Chronicle and the Houston GLBT Caucus.

Fundraising

Coverage

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SBOE District 7

TPI: R-59%

Background

When the legislature created new district maps, it drew incumbent Matt Robinson (R-District 7) out of his district — a decision Robinson called “vindictive” payback for his opposition to charter school expansion. Robinson chose not to seek reelection.

Science professor Dan Hochman ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Conservative Julie Pickren, a former Alvin ISD trustee and current board member of Fresh Impact Christian Academy, squeaked past a crowded field of candidates to win the Republican primary with 50.52 percent of the vote.

Fundraising

Coverage

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Texas Senate Map

Senate District 9

TPI: R-59%

Background

In Senate District (SD) 9, Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) faces a challenge from Democrat Gwenn Burud.

During the redistricting period last fall, lawmakers moved SD 9 to be entirely within Tarrant County, instead of dipping into Dallas County as it did under the previous map.

Fundraising

Coverage

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Senate District 19

TPI: D-57%

Background

The state’s second most competitive district, SD 19, will feature a competition between Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) and Republican Robert Garza.

SD 19 includes a sizable portion of San Antonio, almost all of Seguin, and stretches West along the border to reach Big Bend.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Three Border District Democrats Contend with Republican Challengers

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Senate District 20

TPI: D-59%

Background

Sen. Chuy Hinojosa (D-McAllen) faces a challenge from Republican Westley Wright in SD 20.

Under the new boundary of Hinojosa’s district, SD 20 includes McAllen and Edinburg, as well as a large portion of Corpus Christi.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Three Border District Democrats Contend with Republican Challengers

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Senate District 27

TPI: D-56%

Background

After the retirement of Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville), the race for SD 27 in South Texas is expected to be the most competitive election in the state Senate.

Four Democrats launched bids to succeed Lucio. Attorney and businesswoman Morgan LaMantia, backed by Lucio, came out on top in the Democratic runoff.

She will face Republican Adam Hinojosa, who won the three-person GOP primary outright in March.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Adam Hinojosa Requests Recount in Close South Texas State Senate Election
• Results Suggest Democrat Morgan LaMantia, Republican Janie Lopez Victorious in South Texas by Thin Margins
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• Morgan LaMantia Wins Democratic Nomination For Senate District 27, Faces Republican Adam Hinojosa
• Democratic Candidates Tout Pro-Choice Views In Campaign In Race To Replace Pro-Life Incumbent
• Republican Adam Hinojosa To Face LaMantia Or Stapleton-Barrera After Democratic Runoff
• Republicans Compete for Nomination in South Texas Open Senate Seat
• Retiring Sen. Eddie Lucio Backs Morgan LaMantia for His South Texas Senate Seat
• State Rep. Alex Dominguez Officially Announces Bid For South Texas Senate Seat
• Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. Backtracks On Re-Election Bid, Announces Retirement

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Texas House Map

House District 28

TPI: R-59%

Background

Rep. Gary Gates (R-Rosenberg), first elected to House District (HD) 28 during a competitive special election in 2019, will face Democrat Nelvin Adriatico under the new boundaries of his district.

HD 28 is contained entirely within Fort Bend County. Under the new lines adopted by lawmakers last fall, the district includes more of Gates’ hometown as well as a sizable portion of Sugar Land that was previously within HD 26.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Texas State Rep. Joe Deshotel Announces Retirement

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House District 31

TPI: R-57%

Background

After his South Texas district was redrawn to favor Republicans, Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City) announced that he was changing his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. 

In his reelection bid, Guillen topped two GOP challengers in the primary election and now faces Democrat Martha Gutierrez in the general election.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Rep. Ryan Guillen Avoids Runoff In First Race After Switching To Republican Party
• State Rep. Ryan Guillen, a South Texas Democrat, Switches Parties to the GOP

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House District 34

TPI: D-57%

Background

Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) was first elected to HD 34 in 2004, but lost to Republican Connie Scott in 2010 before winning the seat back from her in 2012.

This year, Herrero faces Republican Carolyn Vaughn, a former Corpus Christi council member and former Nueces County commissioner.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 37

TPI: R-53%

Background

The Rio Grande Valley district held by Rep. Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville) — who was drawn into HD 38 and is now running for SD 27 — was redistricted so that its population anchor is now in Harlingen instead of Brownsville, making it a competitive seat that could potentially swing toward Republicans.

Janie Lopez won the Republican nomination outright, while a competitive runoff between two Democrats led to the nomination of Luis Villarreal, Jr., a former Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) staffer.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Results Suggest Democrat Morgan LaMantia, Republican Janie Lopez Victorious in South Texas by Thin Margins
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• Ongoing Redistricting Lawsuit Partially Closed By Texas Supreme Court, ‘County Line Rule’ Challenge May Proceed
• Former Sen. Lucio Staffer Wins Democratic Nomination For Competitive South Texas House Seat
• South Texas House Boundary Debate Previewed At State Supreme Court Hearing
• State Rep. Alex Dominguez Officially Announces Bid For South Texas Senate Seat
• New Redistricting Lawsuits Target South Texas House Districts

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House District 41

TPI: D-59%

Background

Two Guerras will be on the ballot for HD 41 once again: the incumbent, Rep. Bobby Guerra (D-Mission), and returning Republican challenger John Robert Guerra.

In the 2020 election, the Democratic incumbent received 58 percent of the vote. Under the new boundaries, President Joe Biden carried the district with 56 percent of the vote in 2020.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 45

TPI: D-58%

Background

In the original draft of the state House redistricting plan last fall, Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) was drawn into a neighboring, Republican-leaning district. But with the amended version that was ultimately approved, Zwiener remained in the Democratic-leaning HD 45.

Hays County, where the district is located, has swung toward Democrats in the past decade with the explosive growth on the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.

The 2022 election will show whether that trend will continue or if it could become more competitive again.

Zwiener faces Republican Michelle Lopez on the ballot.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 47

TPI: D-58%

Background

Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) was first elected to the western Austin district after defeating a Republican incumbent in 2018, and she held onto her seat after a competitive general election in 2020.

The seat was redrawn to be more favorable for Democrats, but it is still the most competitive Austin-based seat. Goodwin faces Republican Rob McCarthy on the ballot.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 52

TPI: R-55%

Background

With Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock) running in a different district, the Williamson County seat is open for a new member to take office in 2023. Though redrawn to shift its TPI from D-53% to R-55%, the district remains one of the most competitive in the state.

Republican Caroline Harris came out on top of a competitive primary and runoff election and faces Democrat Luis Echegaray on the November ballot.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Williamson County House Seat Pits Republican Caroline Harris Against Democrat Luis Echegaray
• Races For Four Open Texas House Seats In Central Texas Head To Runoffs
• Population Growing Pains and Education Featured in Race for Open Williamson County Seat

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House District 54

TPI: R-55%

Background

With some areas of Bell County swinging toward Democrats recently, Republican lawmakers redrew the two House districts within to shore up GOP votes in HD 54 and make HD 55 more competitive.

HD 54 was redrawn to completely encircle HD 55.

This election year, Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) faces a challenge from Democrat Jonathan Hildner.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 55

TPI: R-57%

Background

HD 55 was redrawn during the last redistricting cycle to lie in the middle of Hays County, completely encircled by HD 54. In the process of changing boundaries HD 55 became much more competitive, shifting from a TPI of R-66% to R-57%.

The incumbent, Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple), faces Democratic challenger Tristian Sanders.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 61

TPI: R-58%

Background

To accommodate the booming population of suburban areas surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, HD 61 was relocated to Collin County and drawn to favor Republicans.

Out of the three Republicans who ran for the seat, Frederick Frazier secured the nomination. He will face Democrat Sheena King in the general election.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Grand Jury Indicts Frederick Frazier, GOP Texas House Candidate, On Impersonating Public Servant Charges
• Frederick Frazier Defeats Paul Chabot In Republican Runoff For Collin County House District

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House District 63

TPI: R-57%

Background

With Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) running for SD 12, the Denton County House district is open for a new member to take office in 2023.

Ben Bumgarner won the GOP nomination after a four-person primary and runoff. One Democrat, H. Denise Wooten, ran unopposed in the primary.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Ben Bumgarner Defeats Jeff Younger In North Texas House GOP Primary Runoff
• Jeff Younger, Ben Bumgarner Head To Runoff In Denton County Texas House Race

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House District 65

TPI: R-58%

Background

With lawmakers redrawing this Denton County seat represented by Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) to favor Republicans, Beckley was drawn into HD 63. She decided to run for lieutenant governor, leaving the seat open for a new member to take office in 2023.

Kronda Thimesch, Beckley’s challenger in 2020, secured the Republican nomination for HD 63 this year and faces Democrat Brittney Verdell in November.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 66

TPI: R-59%

Background

One of the most competitive seats in 2020, HD 66 was redrawn last fall to bolster GOP support.

Its new Republican leanings will be tested again in November, as incumbent Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) faces Democrat Jesse Ringness.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 67

TPI: R-58%

Background

Like HD 66, the Collin County seat of HD 67 was redrawn last fall to bolster GOP support.

This year, Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) faces Democrat Kevin Morris in the general election.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 70

TPI: D-50%

Background

With Rep. Scott Sanford (R-McKinney) retiring, the other GOP members of the Collin County state House delegation put forward a redistricting amendment that would redraw his seat to take on the competitive areas of their own districts, making it the most competitive House seat in the state.

After primaries and runoffs in both major parties, Republican Jamee Jolly faces Democrat Mihaela Plesa.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Democrat Mihaela Plesa Wins Purple Collin County Texas House Seat, Defeating Republican Jamee Jolly
• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas
• Jamee Jolly, Mihaela Plesa Win Nominations For Collin County Texas House Seat
• Collin County Runoffs For Toss-Up Texas House Seat Marked By Staunch Appeals To Parties’ Bases
• Republicans And Democrats Headed To Runoffs In Purple North Texas House District
• Eight Candidates Compete in Purple Collin County Texas House District
• Texas State Rep. Scott Sanford To Forgo Re-Election In 2022

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House District 74

TPI: D-58%

Background

Stretching along a wide swath of the border, HD 74 was one of the most competitive Democrat-held districts in 2020. But during redistricting, Loving and Pecos counties were exchanged for a portion of El Paso County, shifting from a TPI of D-52% to D-58%.

The Democratic strength of the new district versus the swing toward Republicans along the border will be tested this November as Rep. Eddie Morales, Jr. (D-Eagle Pass) faces Republican Katherine Parker.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Three Border District Democrats Contend with Republican Challengers

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House District 94

TPI: R-58%

Background

In Tarrant County, lawmakers bolstered Republican support in HD 94 during redistricting, shifting its TPI from R-54% to R-58%.

Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) faces Democrat Dennis Sherrard.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 97

TPI: R-59%

Background

Located in the southwestern corner of Tarrant County, HD 97 was expanded in the last redistricting session to include the municipalities of Crowley and White Settlement.

In the process, the partisan leaning of the district shifted from a TPI rating of R-55% to R-59%.

The Republican strength of the new boundaries will be tested in November as Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth) faces Democrat Laurin McLaurin.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 108

TPI: R-59%

Background

Previously covering all of downtown Dallas, HD 108 was one of the most competitive Republican-held seats in the 2020 election cycle.

Lawmakers redrew the district last year to now only include a narrow strip of blocks reaching down to the Dallas County Courthouse, while more population is pulled from North Dallas. Its TPI rating shifted from D-51% to R-59%.

Rep. Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas) faces Democrat Elizabeth Ginsberg.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 112

TPI: R-55%

Background

Located in the northeastern corner of Dallas County, HD 112 was one of the most competitive Republican-held seats in the 2020 election cycle.

Lawmakers redrew the district last year to include a smaller portion of Garland, while picking up greater portions of other cities, including Richardson, Rowlett, and Sunnyvale. Its TPI shifted from D-52% to R-55%.

Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Richardson) faces Democrat Elva Curl.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 115

TPI: D-55%

Background

Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) first won the northwest Dallas County district of HD 115 in 2018 when it had a TPI of D-51%, and in 2020, the district swung farther toward Democrats to a TPI of D-55%.

The partisan rating did not change during redistricting, leaving it as one of the most competitive Democrat-held districts in the state.

This year, Johnson faces Republican Melisa Denis.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 118

TPI: R-50%

Background

After Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio) resigned from his post in the legislature, Rep. John Lujan (R-San Antonio) won his second special election for HD 118, which wraps around the outer edges of southern Bexar County.

The boundaries won by Lujan had a TPI rating of D-57%, and after redistricting, it became one of the most competitive seats in the state with a rating of R-50%.

In November, Lujan will have a rematch with his special election runoff opponent, Democrat Frank Ramirez.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Here Are the Top 10 Midterm Races to Watch in Texas

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House District 121

TPI: R-56%

Background

In North San Antonio, HD 121 was redrawn last year to shore up GOP support. The district shifted from a TPI rating of R-54% to R-56%.

This year, Rep. Steve Allison (R-San Antonio) faces Democrat Becca Moyer DeFelice.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 129

TPI: R-59%

Background

Located in the southeast corner of Harris County and bordering Galveston County, HD 129 leans slightly more Republican after redistricting, shifting from a TPI rating of R-57% to R-59%.

This year, Rep. Dennis Paul (R-Houston) faces Democrat Kat Marvel.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 133

TPI: R-57%

Background

Out of the five Republicans who ran in the primary to replace outgoing Rep. Jim Murphy (R-Houston), Mano DeAyla won the nomination.

He will face Democrat Mohamad Maarouf in the general election for the new boundaries of HD 133, which was redrawn to help shore up GOP votes in a neighboring district. In the process, the Houston seat shifted from a TPI of R-58% to R-57%.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Republican DeAyala Cruises to Victory in Race to Replace Retiring Murphy in Houston-Area District
• Republicans Barineau And DeAyala Head To Runoff To Replace Jim Murphy In Texas House
• Texas House GOP Caucus Chair Jim Murphy Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2022

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House District 134

TPI: D-57%

Background

After Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) won the seat against Republican incumbent Sarah Davis in 2020, HD 134 was redrawn last year to become more Democratic. Its TPI rating shifted from D-55% to D-57% under the new plan.

This year, Johnson faces Republican Ryan McConnico.

Fundraising

Coverage

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House District 138

TPI: R-56%

Background 

While HD 138 was the most competitive district under the old maps, it was redrawn last year to include sections of a neighboring district, shifting its TPI rating from D-50% to R-56%.

Rep. Lacey Hull (R-Houston) faces Democrat Stephanie Morales on the November ballot.

Fundraising

Coverage

• Rep. Lacey Hull Wins Second Term in Texas House, Defeats Democratic Challenger Stephanie Morales

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House District 147

TPI: D-59%

Background

Won by Rep. Penny Morales Shaw (D-Houston) in 2020, HD 148 became more competitive after redistricting last year. Under the new map, the TPI rating for the seat shifted from D-65% to D-59%.

This year, Shaw faces Republican Kay Smith.

Libertarian Grizzle Trojacek is also seeking election to the seat.

Fundraising

Coverage

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