Less than two weeks are left for candidates to file for elected positions up and down the ballot as a part of the 2022 primary and general election cycles.
As candidates file with their respective political parties and the Texas secretary of state, some of the lists of candidates for elected state Senate offices are becoming crowded, potentially providing for a compelling primary cycle.
Crowded Fields for the Texas Senate
The Metroplex – The New Senate District 10
In the wake of the recently approved new boundaries as a part of the decennial redistricting process, Senate District 10 saw its boundaries expanded beyond that of just a portion of Tarrant County. As such, the district was made much more advantageous to a would-be Republican candidate. The incumbent, Democrat State Sen. Beverly Powell (Burleson), has not yet announced whether she intends to run for re-election.
Even before the new boundaries were being deliberated, attorney Warren Norred announced his candidacy for the position as a Republican. As the new boundaries were being finalized, Republican State Rep. Phil King (Weatherford) also announced his intent to run, receiving the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick almost immediately thereafter.
The new boundaries for Senate District 10 now include a portion of Tarrant and Parker counties, as well as all of Palo Pinto, Stephens, Shackelford, Callahan, and Brown counties
As of this publication, Norred has yet to officially file for the position.
Central Texas – The New Senate District 24
Another glaring outcome from the redistricting deliberations in the most recent special legislative session is the seemingly deliberate drawing of boundary lines for the new Senate District 24 to advantage one candidate over another.
The incumbent, Republican State Sen. Dawn Buckingham (Lakeway) announced her candidacy for Texas land commissioner in June, therefore opening up a seat. Shortly thereafter, former Austin City Councilwoman Ellen Troxclair announced her candidacy for the seat, running as a Republican.
As the boundaries were being deliberated in the Senate, it became clear that Troxclair was drawn out of the district she was running for. Notably, the boundaries shifted south to pick up Atascosa and Medina counties, which were formerly counties included in former State Sen. Pete Flores’ Senate District 19.
Flores announced his candidacy shortly thereafter. As such, Troxclair suspended her Senate campaign and announced her candidacy for a newly drawn House district.
Former Texas 23rd Congressional District Republican candidate Raul Reyes Jr. announced his candidacy for the seat on October 7. Notably, in his run for Congress, Reyes was endorsed by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. This cycle, Cruz announced on October 9 the endorsement of Pete Flores for the state Senate seat. Flores also boasts the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
As of this publication, Reyes has yet to officially file for the position.
West Texas – Senate District 31
A perennial thorn-in-the-side of Lt. Gov. Patrick has been Republican State Sen. Kel Seliger (Amarillo). Consistently rated as one the most liberal Republicans in the state Senate, Seliger announced he would not be seeking re-election just as the most recent special legislative session concluded.
This announcement followed seemingly tumultuous deliberations on redistricting as the new boundaries were making their way through the state Senate, causing Seliger himself to vote against the proposed boundaries.
Prior to the boundaries being deliberated, however, there were already two announced challengers to Seliger. One was Midland businessman Kevin Sparks, who announced his candidacy back in August and was later endorsed by former President Donald Trump as the most recent special legislative session was underway. Another challenger was Coahoma ISD trustee Stormy Bradley, who announced her candidacy in July.
The new boundaries for Senate District 31 incorporate additional counties, however, and span nearly 500 miles throughout the Panhandle.
After Seliger’s announcement, two additional candidates announced for the seat, including retired FBI agent and former Canyon ISD trustee Tim Reid and Amarillo attorney Jesse Quackenbush.
As of this publication, only Bradley has yet to officially file for the position.
Key Election Dates
The candidate filing deadline is Monday, December 13. As of right now, the primary election is scheduled for March 1, 2022, and the general election is November 2, 2022.
Other Installments in the Series
Part 1: Statewide Races Taking Shape
Part 3: Texas House Races Taking Shape
