5 races to watch in the Texas primaries
Tuesday is primary election day in Texas. Here are five races to watch:
1. WHO GETS TO TAKE ON GOV. GREG ABBOTT?
Of the nine Democratic candidates for governor, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, the son of former Gov. Mark White, are expected to finish on top. But will either do well enough to avoid a runoff?
2. HAS THE BUSH NAME GONE FROM BOON TO BANE?
Two Texans named Bush have served as president of the United States. But if Land Commissioner George P. Bush, the grandson of one president and nephew of the other, is forced into a runoff with his predecessor, Jerry Patterson, it will suggest his famous surname has lost its luster.
3. 18 PLUS 4 EQUALS 21:
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. For complete coverage of Republican and Democratic primary races, an explanation of the current voter ID rules and a link to the League of Women Voters voter guide, go to statesman.com/elections.
Well, not usually, but in this case, yes. There are four Democratic and 18 Republicans competing to succeed U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, in representing the 21st Congressional District. Which two Republicans will make an almost certain runoff is anyone’s guess. Among Democrats, can Joseph Kopser seal the deal without a runoff?
4. WILL THIS BE REP. DAWNNA DUKES’ LAST HURRAH?
The Austin Democrat won reelection last time vowing to resign. Now, facing five rivals, she has laid low. Does her saga have another twist left in it? We’ll see.
5. BIG NAMES IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE RACE:
Justice of the Peace Bill Gravell and Round Rock City Council Member Frank Leffingwell, have traded accusations since the race for the GOP nomination began.