Turnout: A study released today (Thursday) by Nonprofit Vote and the U.S. Elections Project found Texas posted the third-lowest turnout in the 2016 presidential election. The groups calculated turnout as ballots counted out of their estimate of the voting-eligible population. Only West Virginia and Hawai’i ranked lower than Texas.
CD7: Houston medical center development director Joshua Butler has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission for a potential challenge to U.S. Rep. John Culberson (R-Houston) as a Democrat.
Dallas Co.: Dallas Co. Criminal Judge Elizabeth Frizell will resign to challenge Dallas Co. District Attorney Faith Johnson, a Republican who was appointed to the position by Gov. Greg Abbott. Frizell was first elected in 2006 and unopposed in 2014 and 2018 re-election bids. Former District Judge John Creuzot is already in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Corpus Christi: Former council member Mark Scott filed a petition with the 13th Court of Appeals seeking to overturn the city council’s determination that he is ineligible to run for mayor.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Express-News’s Josh Baugh reported that city council candidate Lynlie Wallace may not reside in San Antonio. Records show that Wallace, the chief of staff to Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio), owns homes in Austin and San Antonio, but her homestead exemption is claimed on the Austin house. Wallace is one of 10 candidates vying for an open seat on the council. Residency concerns also affect Manny Palaez, who is running for a district seat. Only a court can rule on their eligibility.
Stockman in Court: Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Houston) faces felony charges that he conspired with two former employees to convert campaign funds to personal use during his most recent term in office. The charges carry a federal prison sentence of five years. Stockman unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the 2014 Republican primary, receiving 19% of the vote.
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