Early voting continues for the November 2 constitutional, general and special elections.

SD31 open: The Kevin Sparks (R) campaign released a new ad, “One Election,” touting Trump’s endorsement.

HD19/HD73: Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R-Fredericksburg) said he will not run for re-election in HD73, which he currently represents but which no longer includes Gillespie Co. He said he is still considering a run for re-election in newly drawn HD19, which includes his home. “My family, my business, my future and my home are in Gillespie Gounty,” Biedermann said. “Whatever public service position I run for next will be close to my home.” It’s worth noting that Gillespie County Judge Mark Stroeher (R) is not seeking re-election.

Biedermann’s decision to vacate the HD73 seat eliminates one significant primary opponent from Dripping Springs health and wellness business owner Carrie Isaac. The Isaac campaign released a list of endorsements including Railroad Comm. Wayne Christian (R) and Reps. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park), Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville), Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) and Valoree Swanson (R-Spring).

HD60: Rep. Glenn Rogers (R-Graford) announced he would seek re-election.

HD64: Decatur farmer and software developer Andy Hopper announced he would challenge Rep. Lynn Stucky (R-Sanger) in the Republican primary.

“Texas is on the ropes,” Hopper said in a statement. “Our home is in the midst of an invasion perpetrated by the federal government … which has used every opportunity to push an openly communist agenda.” Hopper said the Legislature “squandered its opportunity to take control of our border and protect the rights and liberties of Texans.”

Hopper received 4% of the vote in the 2020 special election for SD30. He previously announced he would run to succeed Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford), who is running for SD10, but redistricting placed Wise Co. into HD64 instead.

HD72: Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) announced he would seek re-election.

HD77/HD79: Rep. Claudia Ordaz Perez (D-El Paso) said in a statement that she is considering running in HD79, which is held by Rep. Art Fierro (D-El Paso), instead of in HD77, where she is paired with Rep. Lina Ortega (D-El Paso). HD76, which Ordaz Perez represents today, was drawn out of El Paso Co. and moved to Fort Bend Co.

HD92: Euless attorney and former council member Salman Bhojani announced he would challenge Rep. Jeff Cason (R-Bedford) as a Democrat. Bhojani previously intended to challenge Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) but suspended his campaign due to redistricting.

HD113: Garland pharmacist and 2020 Republican nominee Will Douglas announced he was suspending his campaign for a rematch against Rep. Rhetta Bowers (D-Rowlett). “Unfortunately, we’re not going to get that opportunity,” Douglas said in a statement. “We’ve been drawn out of HD113.” He pledged that he will be back “when the time is right.” Douglas narrowly lost the 2020 general election, 52%-48%, to Bowers.

CD24: Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) has suspended her congressional campaign, citing “extreme gerrymandering.” In a statement, Beckley said the new map draws her into CD26, which would be an “impossible” race for her (Note: A candidate does not have to reside within a congressional district to represent it, unlike a legislative seat.). Beckley said she has not “decided what my next move in public service will be.”

©2021 Texas Election Source LLC