July semiannual campaign reports indicate most senators up for re-election in 2018 have formidable cash on hand totals, but a couple of incumbents could soon feel heat from well-financed opponents.
Sen. John
Whitmire
Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston), the Dean of the Senate, once again leads all senators with a campaign war chest just shy of $8M. Several other incumbents up for re-election in 2018 reported at least $1M in cash on hand, including Sens. Kel Seliger ($1.75M), Charles Schwertner ($1.6M), Royce West ($1.5M), Kirk Watson ($1.4M), Robert Nichols ($1.3M) and Kelly Hancock ($1.2M).
SD2: Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) reported having $251K on hand and $176K in contributions. His two declared Democratic challengers raised $32K and have just over $10K combined.
SD8: Sen. Van Taylor (R-Plano) reported $1K in contributions and has $371K on hand. Expecting the seat to be open, Phillip Huffines reported having almost $2.4M on hand and $547K in contributions.
SD10: As we previously reported, Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) reported having $352K on hand and raising $196K. Potential Democratic challenger Beverly Powell has $32K on hand and raised $51K. Allison Campolo, another potential Democratic challenger, raised $8K and has less than $4K on hand.
SD16: Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas) reported having $930K on hand and $222K in contributions. Potential Democratic challenger Nathan Johnson reported $65K on hand and $80K in contributions. Joseph Bogen, another potential Democratic challenger, has $21K on hand and raised $32K.
SD30: Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Frisco) reported having $2M on hand, largely the result of a $1.8M loan to his campaign, as he considers challenging Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls). The incumbent reported having $424K on hand.
SD31: Primary challenger Mike Canon reported having $89K on hand after raising $73K. Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) reported no contributions and has $1.75M on hand.
