HD60 open: Graford rancher and veterinarian Glenn Rogers announced he would seek the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mike Lang (R-Granbury). Rogers is a former Graford ISD trustee.

HD94: Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) announced he would seek re-election to a fourth term.

CD20: San Antonio resident Mauro Garza business owner re-authorized his campaign committee for a potential challenge of U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) as a Republican. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for open CD21 in 2018 (1%). Garza is at least the fifth Republican to take a formal step toward the race. The precincts currently comprising CD20 have been between 16 and 19 percentage points bluer than the state as a whole since 2008.

CD22 open: Fort Bend Co. Sheriff Troy Nehls (R) said on Facebook that he formed an exploratory committee, and it has already received $100K in donations. Their support is “quite overwhelming,” Nehls wrote. “I thank them and will continue to strongly consider running.” The post points to a website for the exploratory committee. We have not seen any filings at the Federal Election Commission for the committee.

Art. 16, Sec. 65 of the Texas Constitution provides that the holders of various public offices, including sheriffs, resign their offices automatically when they “announce their candidacy, or shall in fact become a candidate” for any other public office if the remaining portion of their elected term exceeds 13 months. That trigger expires just before the filing deadline in December. Formation of an exploratory committee has not been considered an announcement of candidacy, and Nehls’ words in the post expressly state he is still considering the race.

Houston: The Bill King campaign released a new ad attacking Mayor Sylvester Turner for accepting campaign contributions from strip club owners.

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