Texas Primaries 2022: Key Races and Candidates to Watch
The upcoming primaries in Texas will determine the candidates who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the November elections. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will be held in May to determine the top two finishers.
In TX-18, two Democratic members of Congress, Rep. Christian Menefee and Rep. Al Green, are competing for the same seat in a deep-blue district that includes parts of Houston. Rep. Menefee won a special election earlier this year to fill the vacant seat left by the late Sylvester Turner.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican incumbent in TX-2, is facing a primary challenge from state Rep. Steve Toth. Crenshaw, who has aligned with Trump, did not receive the former president's endorsement and has clashed with some MAGA figures. Toth has garnered support from Sen. Ted Cruz.
In TX-33, Rep. Julie Johnson is seeking reelection in a blue-leaning Dallas-area district after redistricting changes. Her main Democratic rival is Colin Allred, a former House member who shifted his focus to the House race after abandoning a Senate bid.
Democrats in TX-15 are aiming to unseat Rep. Monica De La Cruz in a red-leaning district in South Texas. Bobby Pulido, a Tejano music star, and Ada Cuellar, a doctor, are vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge De La Cruz.
Rep. Tony Gonzales in TX-23 is facing allegations of an affair with an aide who tragically died. Brandon Herrera, known as "the AK Guy," is his primary opponent, emphasizing Second Amendment rights in a district that includes Uvalde, the site of a recent school shooting.
TX-35 has drawn Republican candidates in a district redrawn to favor the GOP. Trump has endorsed Carlos De La Cruz, a businessman and brother of Rep. Monica De La Cruz, in the Republican primary. The Democratic primary has also attracted multiple candidates, with hopes of retaining the heavily Hispanic district despite the new district lines.
In conclusion, the Texas primaries will be crucial in determining the candidates who will compete in the November elections, with several competitive races and notable candidates vying for their party's nomination.