Campaign Finance: January semiannual campaign finance reports were due today (Wednesday) for state officeholders and candidates and, where required, local officials and candidates. We expect these reports will be available online beginning sometime tomorrow (Thursday), and we will begin updating our Crib Sheets and reporting key results through the day.

LTGOV: The campaign of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) said he raised more than $2M during the last half of 2019, and he has $13.5M on hand, which is the most by a Texas lieutenant governor at this point in the office’s four-year election cycle. It is the fifth highest cash on hand figure he has ever reported. Patrick’s reported cash on hand peaked at $18.1M in January 2018.

HD65: The Dallas Morning News endorsed Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) for the Democratic nomination. Jolt Action endorsed primary challenger Paige Dixon.

HD101: Rep. Chris Turner’s (D-Arlington) campaign announced he raised $322K during the last half of 2019, and he has nearly $340K on hand. Turner, who is unopposed for re-election, has already contributed $57K to support other Democratic candidates. The campaign said he spent more than $340K to help Democratic candidates in the 2018 election cycle. Turner raised $214K during the corresponding period two years ago and $148K during the same period four years ago.

HD108: Rep. Morgan Meyer’s (R-Dallas) campaign announced he raised $320K during the last half of 2019 and has $395K on hand. Democratic challenger Shawn Terry’s campaign said he raised about $150K during the period and has $200K on hand. Democratic challenger Joanna Cattanach’s campaign said she raised $77K and has about $70K on hand. Tom Ervin, the third Democrat in the race, raised $27K and has $33K on hand.

HD114: Rep. John Turner’s (D-Dallas) campaign announced he raised $249K and has $388K on hand. Republican challenger Luisa del Rosal’s campaign said she raised $192K and has $284K on hand.

CD12: U.S. Rep. Kay Granger’s (R-Fort Worth) campaign released a new ad, “Trump Endorsement TV Spot,” highlighting President Trump’s endorsement of her.

Tarrant Co. Sheriff Bill Waybourn (R) endorsed challenger Chris Putnam.

CD17 open: Republican candidate Jeff Oppenheim has suspended his campaign to succeed the retiring U.S. Rep. Bill Flores (R-Bryan). His name will remain on the ballot alongside the 11 Republicans still in the race. The College Station retired U.S. Army colonel filed his candidacy application on the last day of the filing period.

CD32: Former Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas) endorsed Genevieve Collins for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Dallas).

Denton: Council members Keely Briggs and Gerard Hudspeth filed for mayor on the first day of the filing period. Mayor Chris Watts is term-limited.

©2020 Texas Election Source LLC