Texas Goes to the Polls

Texas’ primary election is on March 1, 2022, though early voting is already open. What are some of the key races on the ballot? Why is this primary important? And if you don’t live in Texas, why should you pay attention to what’s happening there? Here, Election Central previews this upcoming election.

Who’s On the Ballot?

At the top of the ballot is the race for governor. Republican Governor Greg Abbott is seeking his third term as governor. He has received both praise and criticism from Republicans for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Trump endorsed Abbott’s candidacy last year, but some Republicans have wished for that endorsement to be taken back. Abbott was criticized for how he handled the unusual winter storm that hit Texas in December 2021 and caused significant blackouts across the state. Abbott faces seven challengers in the primary race. There are also five Democratic candidates seeking to win their primary. The best-known is Beto O’Rourke, former El Paso Congressman and 2020 presidential candidate. No Democrat has been elected governor of Texas since 1994.

For Lieutenant Governor, Republican incumbent (and former conservative radio commentator) Dan Patrick is seeking a third term and faces five challengers. The Democrats are also running three candidates who wish to oppose him. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking a third term as well. Paxton helped former President Trump launch his failed voter fraud investigations in the wake of the 2020 election. He was also accused by senior staff members in November 2021 of accepting a bribe. Paxton fired the aides after the accusations and the case is being investigated. Paxton has also been indicted on state securities fraud charges. He is opposed by Congressman Louie Gohmert; Eva Guzman (former Texas Supreme Court Justice); and George P. Bush (Texas Land Commissioner and nephew of former President George W. Bush).

Other important races include land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, comptroller (someone who watches over an organization’s accounting and financial reporting), railroad commissioner, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court.

Why It Matters

After the 2020 Census, political districts were realigned to reflect population changes. So Texans will be voting in new political districts this year. The primary results may also indicate the political value of a Donald Trump endorsement to Republican candidates. These races are a good opportunity for both political parties to test whether or not their messaging is successful. It could help fine-tune their strategies in advance of the 2022 midterm elections.

Dig Deeper Research three major issues in Texas politics. Create a table that compares the Republican and Democratic positions on these issues to see where they may agree and disagree.