HD52: Round Rock Christian nonprofit executive Jeremy Story, the newly appointed state chaplain for the Republican Party of Texas, has established a campaign committee for a potential challenge of Rep. Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) and sent an email to supporters announcing his candidacy. Story ran unsuccessfully for Austin Community Coll. Trustee in a 2016 special election, receiving 9% of the vote. He was endorsed in that race by the Texas Home School Coalition and Texas Alliance for Life.

HD126: Rep. Kevin Roberts (R-Houston) announced he would seek re-election. Roberts was unopposed in the Republican primary for what was an open seat in 2016.

See our 2018 Challengers page for all 177 challengers and open seat candidates who we confirm have taken a formal step toward running for state and federal office from Texas in 2018.

Mail-ballot Fraud: Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office would assist the Dallas Co. District Attorney’s office in its ongoing criminal probe into allegations of voter fraud. “We will do everything within our resources and abilities to solidify trust in every election here and around the state,” Paxton said in Dallas. Dallas Co. District Attorney Faith Johnson said the state’s involvement will allow her office to “broaden and deepen” their investigation.

El Paso: Early voting is underway for the D8 special runoff election between Robert Cormell and Cissy Lizarraga and continues through July 11. Election Day is July 15.

Ethics Commission: Former Rep. Steve Wolens (D-Dallas) was elected chair of the Texas Ethics Commission by his fellow commissioners.

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