HD79 special: The three candidates running to fill the unexpired term of former Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) reported raising just over $5K combined, and they have just over $3K on hand, as of December 31. During the highly abbreviated period covered by their January semiannual reports, Michiel Noe out-raised Art Fierro, $3K to $2K, and Noe has a $2K to $1K advantage in cash on hand.

Meanwhile, 430 people have voted in person or by mail through the first two days of early voting (Today’s totals are not available.), a turnout so far of 0.5%.

HD125 special: January semiannual campaign finance reports yielded little useful information. Former council member Ray Lopez leads the five-candidate field with $223 on hand. Two of the candidates were not required to file reports because they established their campaign committees after the first of the year.

HD145 special: Christina Morales reported raising $20K and spending $4K during the last three weeks of 2018. She has $23K on hand and a $5K loan principal. She received donations from 68 individuals, most under $500. Her largest contribution ($1.5K) came from Houston attorney George Farah. Melissa Noriega reported raising $5K and spending $2K. She has $23K on hand and a $22K loan principal. She received 25 individual contributions, all $500 or less.

Meanwhile, just 78 people voted today, all but one in person, bringing the three-day early voting total to 284 people (0.4% of registered voters). A total of 137 ballots by mail have been requested so far.

CD10: Austin attorney Mike Siegel, the 2018 Democratic nominee, reauthorized his campaign committee for a 2020 rematch against U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Austin). Siegel lost to McCall, 51%-47%, in November.

The filing period for local offices on the May 4 uniform election ballot began today (Wednesday).

Abilene: Council member Kyle McAlister, who recently was criticized for some social media posts, filed for re-election.

Dallas: Council member Tennell Atkins and Erik Wilson, the former council member Atkins defeated in a 2017 runoff, filed today for the P8 council seat.

San Antonio: Perennial candidate Tony Diaz and clinical psychologist John Velasquez filed for mayor. They received 1.0% and 0.4% of the vote, respectively, in the 2017 mayoral election. Diaz has lost three races for Congress, twice as the Green Party’s candidate, and two council races since 2012.

Victoria: Former Univ. of Houston-Victoria President Vic Morgan filed for mayor, as did insurance agent Brent Carter. Mayor Paul Polasek is not seeking re-election.

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