Early voting for the July 14 primary runoff and special elections begins in a week on June 29. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) extended the usual 5-day early voting period to 12 days by executive order last month after postponing the runoff, originally scheduled for May 26, in March.

It is the second time this decade that runoff elections have been delayed. In 2012, the runoff elections were held July 31 after the March primary was pushed back to May 29 because of redistricting litigation.

Democrats have a statewide race – Railroad Commissioner – on the ballot along with local runoffs and the SD14 special election in Bastrop and Travis Cos. For the second straight election cycle, Republicans have no statewide races. Republican runoffs will occur in all or part of around 100 counties.

HD65: The Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC endorsed Republican challenger Kronda Thimesch over Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton).

HD138: The Texas Parent PAC endorsed Akilah Bacy in the Democratic runoff over Jennifer Rene Pool.

CD4 open: Jason Ross (R) released a list of endorsements including Rockwall Co. Comms. Dennis Bailey (R), Lee Gilbert (R) and David Magness (R); Upshur Rural Electric Coop President Frankie King; former Denison Mayor Jared Johnson; and Michele Ratcliffe, wife of former U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Heath). Ross was Ratcliffe’s former district director.

CD10: The campaign of Democratic runoff candidate Pritesh Gandhi released a new ad, “Frontline,” highlighting his health care background and willingness to oppose President Trump.

Meanwhile, former Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren endorsed Mike Siegel.

CD22 open: The campaign of Republican runoff candidate Kathaleen Wall released a new ad, “Wayne Thompson,” in which Fort Bend Co. Constable Wayne Thompson (R) criticizes Fort Bend Co. Sheriff Troy Nehls (R) for his handling of human trafficking.

CD24 open: The campaign of Democratic runoff candidate Candace Valenzuela released a new ad, “Teachers,” accusing opponent Kim Olson of “firing hundreds of teachers” and highlighting Valenzuela’s school board service.

Olson responded with a statement accusing Valenzuela of “leveling these attacks in bad faith.”

CD25: Former Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren endorsed Democratic challenger Julie Oliver against U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (R-Austin).

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