Early Voting Starts In Texas
Even though it has been a generation since Texas has elected a Democrat to a statewide office, the potential for a flip in one or several races seems highly likely.
Early voting started in Texas when election sites opened at 7:00 a.m. this morning. In the lone star state, early voting runs until Friday, October 30.
Texans will be casting their ballot for a slew of important races on the local and statewide level. Many national political observers are keenly eyeing Texas. Even though it has been a generation since Texas has elected a Democrat to a statewide office, the potential for a flip in one or several races seems highly likely.
In the race for Senate, both James Talarico and Ken Paxton are closing out their campaigns with multi-stop tours across the state. On Monday, October 19, Talarico will be holding two rallies in Denton, at the University of North Texas, and Fort Worth. Tarrant County, where the county commissioners voted to close 92 Election Day voting sites, is expected to be a major battleground for the candidates. Paxton kicked off his “Come And Take It” bus tour in Rockwall on Saturday. On Monday, October 19, he will also be in Fort Worth for a rally with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Many candidates are also taking the opportunity to cast their own ballot on the first day of early voting. That includes Lt. Governor candidate Vikki Goodwin, who cast her ballot alongside Travis County Democrats in Austin at the Carver Branch Library. Another candidate, Bobby Pulido, voted in Edinburg. The famed Tejano singer is taking on incumbent Rep. Monica de la Cruz in a redrawn TX-15.
Last year, after Texas Republicans passed a mid-decade redistricting bill, it appeared the party could potentially net five additional seats in the state. Now, that prediction appears to be wishful thinking. A major PAC supporting House Republicans recently announced they were pulling ad dollars in TX-28, represented by Henry Cuellar.
Gina Hinojosa, who is taking on incumbent Greg Abbott for governor, launched a “One Fight” GOTV tour on Sunday, October 18. Hinojosa’s campaign has largely centered on affordability and the high cost of living in Texas. She has also framed Abbott’s campaign as catering to the billionaire class. Last week, Hinojosa challenged Abbott to a debate in front of the governor’s mansion, but he did not appear.
In fact, there will be no debates between any statewide candidates this election cycle in Texas. Jon Rosenthal had previously announced that his campaign for railroad commissioner had agreed to a debate with Bo French for Thursday, October 22 in Dallas. But French took to social media to declare his campaign had never agreed to a debate.
Many national figures will also be on the campaign trail in Texas. Bernie Sanders is making three stops in Texas on a "Fighting Oligarchy" Tour this week. He will be joined by Rep. Greg Casar and former candidate and congressman Beto O'Rourke at two of those stops.
Early voting in Texas runs from Monday, October 19 until Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
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