With the filing deadline now passed, voters in northwest Texas now know their choices as they prepare to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon).
In the final days of filing in the 13th District race, a number of candidates submitted their applications for the Republican primary ballot, growing what was already a large field. Wichita County Commissioner Lee Harvey, Jason Foglesong, attorney Diane Knowlton, Matt McArthur, educator Mark Neese, Asusena Resendiz, and Catherine Carr were among the last candidates to file in the Republican primary.
Most of the headlines in the race this week focused on former Physician to the President Ronny Jackson entering the race at the last minute. Rumors had circulated for weeks that Jackson would enter the race, but he did not declare his candidacy until Monday’s deadline.
Immediately after filing, Jackson came under criticism from businessman Chris Ekstrom, who is also seeking the Republican nomination. Ekstrom’s campaign issued a statement referring to Jackson as “Obama’s doctor,” noting his tenure in the White House during the Obama administration. Republican candidate Vance Snider also took aim at Jackson after his filing, noting Jackson’s lack of ties to the district.
While filings were plentiful in the last week, one candidate threw in the towel on his congressional bid. Wichita Falls resident Kevin McInturff announced on Friday that he would withdraw from the race for the Republican nomination, citing a lack of signatures on his nominating petition.
The newly filed candidates will join Ekstrom, Snider, Jamie Culley, Elaine Hays, Monique Worthy, Josh Winegarner, and Rich Herman on the ballot, bringing the total Republican field to 15.
In the Democratic primary, Greg Sagan, Gus Trujillo, and Timothy Gassaway are running for their party’s nomination. Libertarian Jack B. Westbrook is also running.
The primary elections are on March 3, 2020.
