CD2 open: Houston educator and Annie’s List steering committee* member Silky Malik established a campaign committee for a potential run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Humble) as a Democrat. She is at least the seventh Democrat to take a formal step toward running for the seat. Please see our Crib Sheets for a candidate list.
CD5 open: Dallas Republican fundraiser and campaign consultant Bunni Pounds established a campaign committee for a potential run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas). Pounds was Hensarling’s campaign manager and fundraiser before launching her firm. According to its web site, the firm’s current clients include Hensarling; Sens. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville), Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) and Van Taylor (R-Plano); Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler); and House candidates Thomas McNutt, Jared Patterson, Marty Reid and Bryan Slaton. She is at least the fifth Republican to take a formal step toward running for the seat.
CD6: Fort Worth physician Monte Mitchell re-established his campaign committee for a potential primary challenge of Barton. As Mark Mitchell, he lost a 2016 race for CD33 to U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth), 74%-26%. As Monte Mitchell, he lost a 2012 race for HD95 to Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth), 77%-23%, and lost the 1998 and 2000 Republican primaries for HD91 to then-Rep. Bill Carter (R-Fort Worth), 60%-40% and 55%-45%, respectively. Mitchell’s web site erroneously indicates he is running for CD5.
Meanwhile, the Jana Lynne Sanchez campaign announced she had raised more than $100K to date, an amount “far exceeds” the amount raised by any Democratic challenger of U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Ennis) in more than 20 years, according to a press release issued by the campaign. Sanchez had raised $55K as of October 30, so she has raised just over $45K during November to achieve the figure provided.
CD11: Granbury trucking company owner Mason Casas (D) confirmed on Twitter that he has withdrawn from his challenge of U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Midland) and will not challenge Rep. Mike Lang (R-Granbury). Casas would have been a significant underdog in either race. In CD11, more than 81% of all straight-party votes cast in 2016 were cast for Republicans. HD60 was the third most Republican district in the state, measured by straight-party vote advantage. More than 88% of straight-party votes went to Republicans.
CD16 open: Canutillo executive coach Rick Seeberger filed as a Republican for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso).
CD32: U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) filed for re-election, quashing any remaining rumors that he might retire.
* The steering committee is not the group’s governing board of directors.
©2017 Texas Election Source LLC
