During redistricting, the Texas Legislature redrew Powell’s district to lean Republican. Its new rating on The Texan’s Texas Partisan Index is R-60%, giving the GOP a solid advantage in the North Texas race.
The district, which is composed of portions of Tarrant County, Parker County, and six other counties, was previously represented by Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville).
Powell sued the State of Texas over the new legislative maps, contending that they were part of an “intentional racially discriminatory scheme.” However, she was not deterred from seeking another term in office, despite the odds being against her reelection.
Notably, Powell and several other Democrats joined Republicans and voted in favor of additional border security funding during the second called session of the legislature. Part of that funding was for Gov. Greg Abbott’s state border wall project.
Powell did not file a campaign finance report by the most recent deadline, according to Texas Ethics Commission records.
There are two Republicans seeking the party’s nomination for the Senate seat: attorney and engineer Warren Norred and Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford).
Norred represented Dallas County Commissioner J.J. Koch (R-District 2) when the commissioner sued the county judge, Democrat Clay Jenkins, over his mask mandate for commissioners court meetings.
Jenkins had booted Koch from the court after the Republican declined to wear a face-covering during a meeting.
Norred was also the lawyer for Shelley Luther, the Dallas salon owner who was arrested for opening her business in violation of Abbott’s statewide executive order in early 2020. He represented clients who sued the governor over the nursing home restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Norred had raised $2,960 and had $77,418 cash on hand in the most recent campaign finance report. His campaign also had $108,628 in outstanding loans.
King was ranked the 40th most conservative state representative by political scientist Mark P. Jones in his analysis of Texas lawmakers’ voting records.
King was a police officer and was first elected to the Texas House in 1998. He currently serves on the State Affairs and Education Committees.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) endorsed King last year. He had raised $57,225 and had $980,446 cash on hand in the most recent campaign finance filing.
Editor’s note: Former state Sen. Konni Burton is the founder and CEO of The Texan.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
