HD62 open: Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) has submitted a letter of resignation effective Monday. “After deciding not to seek re-election, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve our state in different capacity: as a district judge,” Phillips said. He won the Republican nomination for the 59th Judicial District, for which he appears to be the lone remaining candidate. His resignation from the House will trigger a special election, likely to coincide with the November general election. Reggie Smith and Brent Lawson are in the Republican runoff, and the winner will face Democrat Valerie Hefner and Libertarian David Schaab.
Early voting continues for the May 5 uniform and special elections. Ballots may be cast in person through May 1.
HD4 open: Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) endorsed former Rep. Stuart Spitzer (R-Kaufman) in the Republican runoff.
CD23: The San Antonio Express-News reiterated its endorsement of Gina Ortiz Jones in the Democratic runoff over Rick Treviño.
CD32: The National Organization for Women endorsed Lillian Salerno in the Democratic runoff over Colin Allred.
Jefferson Co.: Sheriff Zena Stephens (D) and two other candidates in the 2016 race for the office were indicted for allegedly accepting illegal campaign contributions from a local car dealer. The indictment alleges that Stephens tried to hide a $5K contribution by including it among unitemized “political contributions of $50 or less.” In a statement, Stephens’s attorney said, “Sheriff Stephens had no criminal intent in her actions,” adding that the charges “are a clear overreach by prosecutors.” Joe “QB” Stevenson, who lost to Stephens in the Democratic runoff, and Ray Beck, who lost to Stephens in the general election, were also indicted.
©2018 Texas Election Source
