In 2018, Slaton was defeated by Flynn by 3.4 points, after previously losing to the 17-year incumbent in 2016 by a mere 2 points.
This year, they faced off once again, and for the first time were joined by a third candidate in their primary, Dwayne “Doc” Collins. Collins is a rural veterinarian and local tea party leader whose presence in the race all but ensured a runoff.
Collins succeeded in securing 20 percent of the vote, while Flynn ended the night with 45 percent and Slaton secured 35 percent, meaning no candidate received the 50 percent or more necessary to secure the Republican nomination outright.
One of Slaton’s biggest hits against Flynn was the amount of campaign money he’s spent on nonessential items, like cookies, domestic and international travel, or Netflix accounts.
In each of his runs against Flynn, Slaton has received support from conservative grassroots groups like Texas Right to Life. Chris McNutt, Texas field director for the National Association of Gun Rights, was working the polls on behalf of Slaton on Super Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Flynn has touted endorsements from the National Rifle Association, Texas State Rifle Association, and Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian. Additionally, the incumbent received the endorsement of Governor Greg Abbott.
According to Rice University’s Mark Jones’ political index, Flynn ranked as the 48th most conservative Republican in the Texas House after the last legislative session.
House District 2 encompasses all of Hopkins, Van Zandt, and Hunt counties, all found in rural East Texas.
The runoff election in Texas is scheduled for May 26.
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McKenzie DiLullo
McKenzie DiLullo serves as Senior Editor and resident plate-spinner for The Texan. Previously, she worked as State Representative Kyle Biedermann’s Capitol Director during the 85th legislative session before moving to Fort Worth to manage Senator Konni Burton’s campaign. In her free time, you might find her enjoying dog memes, staring at mountains, or proctoring personality tests.
