GOV: Larry “SECEDE” Kilgore appears to be running for governor again as a Republican. He received just over 1% of the vote in the 2014 Republican primary against Greg Abbott and two others. He also ran for governor in 2006, receiving 8% against then-Gov. Rick Perry and two others. He also ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the 2008 Republican primary, obtaining 19% of the vote.

Larry SECEDE Kilgore

Larry SECEDE Kilgore

As his name indicates, Kilgore’s top issue is secession. He is the second Republican to declare a primary challenge this month, joining Plano landscaping and construction business owner Danny Harrison. Lone Oak gun rights activist Kory Watkins is seeking the Libertarian Party’s nomination.

SD23: Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) confirmed he would seek re-election.

HD17: Elgin resident and Democratic precinct chair Michelle Ryan established a campaign committee for a potential challenge of Rep. John Cyrier (R-Lockhart).

HD42: Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) announced he would seek re-election.

CD26: U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville) announced he would seek re-election.

See our 2018 Challengers page for all 167 challengers and open seat candidates who we confirm have taken a formal step toward running for state and federal office from Texas in 2018.

Corpus Christi: The city council appointed public relations firm owner Debbie Lindsey-Opel to fill the unexpired term of Joe McComb, who vacated his at-large position when he was elected mayor. She was chosen from four finalists interviewed by the council. Nineteen people applied for the position.

©2017 Texas Election Source LLC