The Texas House of Representatives began consideration of Rep. Briscoe Cain’s (R-Deer Park) committee substitute to Senate Bill 7 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), the session’s most comprehensive election bill, around 6 p.m., and discussion of the bill and amendments – at least 134 of which had been filed – continued past our publication deadline.
An initial amendment to strike the enacting clause, which would effectively gut the bill, failed on 65-80 vote, a largely inevitable outcome. Reps. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) and Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) voted with nearly all the Democrats in favor of the amendment. Reps. Bobby Guerra (D-Mission), Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) and Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) voted against it.
A point of order lodged against the bill analysis was pending, more than two hours after it was called, as of press time. Cain moved to postpone the bill until 11:30 p.m. CT so members could continue to move through the calendar.
CD8 open: The Woodlands attorney Jonathan Hullihan established a campaign committee for a potential run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), becoming at least the fourth Republican to do so. He joins Conroe resident Rudy Atencio, Conroe resident Ryan Jarchow and New Caney utility inspector Jonathan Mitchell. Sugar Land real estate agent Laura Jones, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for the seat last year, is also in the race.
CD13: Wichita Falls attorney Kathleen Brown established a campaign committee for a potential challenge of U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo) as a Democrat. Jackson received 80% of the vote in the 2020 general election.
Fort Worth: Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso) endorsed Deborah Peoples in the mayoral runoff. Former D9 council member Joel Burns endorsed Elizabeth Beck in the runoff for D9. D7 third-place finisher Lee Henderson endorsed Leonard Firestone over Zeb Pent in the runoff.
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