Early Voting Begins for High Stakes Election

Early voting has begun across Texas for the November 3 general election and continues through October 30. By most accounts, turnout is off to a torrid start. The Harris Co. Clerk’s office tweeted that 128K people voted in person today, plus 41K absentee ballots...

Straight-party Ruling Stayed and Other News for SD30 Eve

As expected, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay to prevent a lower court ruling from restoring the single-punch, straight-party voting option to the general election ballot. The state will seek an emergency stay – an administrative...

Ads, Polls and a Disavowal for September 4

A new Data for Progress survey (PDF) conducted entirely online finds Democratic challenger Joe Biden leading President Trump, 48%-45%, with 8% unsure. Biden leads among “independents,” 47%-33%. Within 34 “battleground” Texas House districts, Biden leads Trump,...

Denton Mayor Eyes SD30 and Other News for August 12

SD30 special (Safe Republican): Term-limited Denton Mayor Chris Watts established a campaign committee for a potential run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Fallon (R-Prosper). Watts was first elected in 2014 and re-elected twice. His final term was to have ended...