A few things we wanted to share with you today:
Cortez Wants Rematch. Former Rep. Philip Cortez (D-San Antonio) announced he would challenge Rep. Rick Galindo (R-San Antonio) is 2016. In past election cycles, the district has trended more Democratic in presidential election years, and the seat has changed hands in each of the last three cycles:
- Galindo ousted Cortez in the 2014 general election, 53%-47%.
- Cortez won the 2012 general election over then-Rep. John Garza (R-San Antonio), 54%-46%; and
- Garza defeated then-Rep. David Leibowitz (D-San Antonio), 52%-48%, in 2010.
Turnout in HD117 was 47% higher in 2012 than it was in 2010.
Fletcher for Constable. Rep. Allen Fletcher (R-Tomball) announced he would not run for Harris Co. Sheriff and would instead run for Harris Co. Constable, Pct 4. Last week, the Harris Co. Commissioners Court appointed Constable Ron Hickman as the new sheriff, and this week it elevated Asst. Chief Deputy Constable Mark Herman to Constable.
Farenthold Draws Challenger. Shiner gun and outdoor tactical store owner John W. Harrington is challenging U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Corpus Christi) in the 2016 Republican primary. Harrington, whose Facebook page lists his political views as “very conservative,” says his campaign is aimed at helping Texas “show our nation what it means to have principled leadership that stands beside the Constitution and the American way of life.” Democrat Wayne Raasch has also declared for the race.
Garcia Pondering Rematch. Former Rep. Domingo Garcia (D-Dallas) is considering a rematch against U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth), who defeated Garcia, 53%-47%, in a runoff after a bitter campaign in 2012 for an open seat. Garcia said he will decide by mid-summer.
New CTAs. No new campaign treasurer appointments (CTAs) of interest have been filed since our last report.
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