We are still several months away from the November elections, but campaigns in Texas are intensifying as the days go by. Indeed, just turning on the television or accessing any of the social media platforms on your phone or computer, we begin to see videos of the candidates, posts with their campaign posters, and more.
At the same time, you can only drive or walk through the streets and there are already ads of the candidates with their photos taped to fences or nailed up in public areas. Regardless of the party, more movement is starting to be seen.
In our state there are two very important contests; one of these is the governorship. Greg Abbott is seeking reelection for a fourth term to the state’s top office. He has held that position since 2015 and apparently has no desire to leave.
His campaign has spent more than $54 million from February through July; it is expected that the figure will continue to rise to astronomical amounts to maintain power in the Lone Star State.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Party, their candidate Gina Hinojosa continues to forge ahead in this race, managing to raise her poll percentages, closing in too closely to Abbott. These numbers give hope for a change for those who want the current governor to leave that position. For now, it has been visible how both continue working hard to win the governorship of one of the country’s largest states.
Another contest that has taken national headlines is the Senate; since the primaries, this race has been in the crosshairs of everyone across both parties. On the Republican side, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is the candidate; on the Democratic side, the candidate is the young state representative James Talarico.
This is perhaps a historic race; while Paxton relies on the voters who have kept him in office for years, Talarico has appealed to all communities, from the young to the more conservative.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced that Texas had 18,657,918 registered voters for the March 3 primaries. It is expected that millions of these will head to the polls in November and decide in these two contests that will shape the state’s history; the winner takes the office.
In Harris County, it should be noted that there is also a search for a new person to replace Judge Lina Hidalgo, who oversees the administration of Texas’s largest county.
Orlando Sánchez, a Republican and a locally recognized figure, seeks to paint this county red if elected county judge. He even sparked controversy a few days ago at a community event where he asked voters to forget that he was Republican. Many were shocked and condemned the remark.
Democrat Letitia Plumber seeks to take Hidalgo’s seat; she had previously served on Houston’s city council and entered this race where she won the primary against Anisse Parker. Now, everything is in the hands of voters and we hope everyone takes the time to participate in the elections regardless of party. What matters is that they make their voice and vote count.
