Jeff continues to be in the Big Bend area with limited connectivity and mobile service. We will resume our regular schedule on Monday.

GOV: Twenty-two Democratic state representatives endorsed Lupe Valdez in the Democratic runoff. Of those, only Reps. Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) and Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City) are from the Houston area, home of Andrew White. The list includes four Dallas Co. representatives: Roberto Alonzo, Rafael Anchia, Victoria Neave and Toni Rose.

SD6 (open): The campaign of Rep. Ana Hernandez (D-Houston) released a list of endorsements, including four Harris Co. colleagues: Reps. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), Mary Ann Perez (D-Pasadena), Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) and Armando Walle (D-Houston). The endorsement list also includes former Harris Co. Sheriff Adrian Garcia (D) and several dozen current and former local elected officials. Hernandez and Rep. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) have announced plans to seek the seat expected to be vacated by Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston), the likely successor to retiring U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Houston).

SD19: Former Rep. and U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) re-established his state campaign committee for a potential run for the seat currently held by Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio). Rep. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) has already announced for the seat, and his campaign announced a new round of endorsements, including former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, bringing his total to 76 endorsers. Uresti is not up for re-election until 2020, but he is under pressure to resign after being convicted of felony charges.

HD13 open: The Ben Leman campaign announced more than 70 endorsements for his runoff race against Jill Wolfskill, including the sheriffs of Burleson, Grimes and Lavaca Cos. And eight county commissioners representing six counties.

HD46 open: The Chito Vela campaign announced he has been endorsed by former rival Ana Cortez, who finished fourth in the Democratic primary. Vela faces Sheryl Cole for the seat currently held by Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin).

CD21 open: Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) endorsed Joseph Kopser in the Democratic runoff against Mary Wilson. Kopser previously endorsed Elliott McFadden in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, Red McCombs endorsed Matt McCall in the runoff against Chip Roy. McCombs previously supported Bill Negley in the primary. U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) did not seek re-election.

Partisan Gerrymandering: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments today on a partisan gerrymandering claim lodged against Maryland’s maps. Much of the questioning from the justices, particularly Justice Breyer, focused on the harms posed by “extreme gerrymandering.” The Court has not yet released its decision on the Wisconsin partisan gerrymandering case, which could impact other litigation before the Court, including this case and the racial gerrymandering case from Texas.

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