With federal and state campaign finance reporting periods now closed, and the Independence Day weekend upon us, we anticipate a significant number of new candidates to announce their plans and file campaign paperwork over the next few weeks.
GOV: San Antonio hospice chaplain and 2016 Democratic nominee for CD21 (36%) Tom Wakely said via Twitter that he was “considering running as a Berniecrat for Texas Governor.” As far as we can tell, he is the first Democrat to indicate he may challenge Gov. Greg Abbott (R). Last month, Wakely dropped out of the crowded Democratic primary race for CD21 and endorsed Rixi Melton.
I'm considering running as a Bernicrat for Texas Governor. Much bigger race than my 2016 congressional run against Lamar Smith.
— Tom Wakely (@TexansforTom) July 2, 2017
LTGOV: Petersburg resident and Libertarian Party activist Kerry McKennon reinstated his campaign account but did not indicate which office he might be seeking. His campaign’s Facebook page indicates he “is considering running in 2018” for an unspecified office. A web site that appears to be for his campaign indicates ccording to his web site, he is “looking to run for Lt. Governor.” McKennon ran unsuccessfully for HD88 as a Libertarian in 2014, receiving 7% of the vote against Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian).
HD12: Bryan resident Marianne Arnold filed paperwork establishing a campaign committee for a potential challenge of Kyle Kacal (R-College Station). Social media posts and associations indicate she would be running as a Democrat.
CD1: David Tatum has established a CrowdPAC page for a potential challenge of U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler) as an independent. We were unable to determine his hometown and occupation.
CD8: Tomball resident Steven David filed paperwork establishing a federal campaign committee for a potential challenge of U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) as a Democrat. It was not immediately clear which Steven David from Tomball is the filer.
CD13: Amarillo nuclear power consultant Greg Sagan filed paperwork establishing a federal campaign committee for a potential challenge of U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) as a Democrat.
See our 2018 Challengers page for all 186 challengers and open seat candidates who we confirm have taken a formal step toward running for state and federal office from Texas in 2018.
©2017 Texas Election Source LLC
