Texas Senate, Governor and Attorney General Races Take Shape as Filing Deadline Nears

This week marked a pivotal moment for Texas's prominent races for the U.S. The races for the U.S. Senate, governor, and attorney general are nearing the final days of the filing period, which ends on Monday, with the aim of securing places on the state's March Republican and Democratic primary ballots.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn is gearing up for one of the most challenging Republican primaries of his career, as he prepares to compete against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt. Paxton, who was initially a frontrunner in the polls, saw support decline after reports emerged of his impending divorce from state Sen. Angela Paxton. Recent surveys reveal a tie between Paxton and Cornyn, with Hunt slipping behind. President Donald Trump could endorse the candidates. Paxton and Hunt have consistently supported Trump, whereas Cornyn's relationship with him has been more nuanced, marked by his inquiries into Trump's political prospects following the 2020 election.

Democrats are gearing up for a highly competitive Senate race. 

As of Friday, the Texas Secretary of State confirmed that State Rep. James Talarico of Austin stands as the sole candidate officially filed. Colin Allred, the former U.S. representative from Dallas and a civil rights attorney, declared his intention to run earlier this year, though he had yet to file the necessary paperwork. The contest is poised for a rapid change, with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas anticipated to join the race. For weeks, she has hinted at a possible bid and has arranged a “special announcement” for Monday.

In the upcoming governor’s race, Republican incumbent Greg Abbott is vying for an unprecedented fourth term, launching his campaign with a substantial $90 million war chest. He is up against five GOP challengers: Members of the State Board of Education include Evelyn Brooks, former San Antonio mayoral candidate Arturo Espinosa, Port Arthur physician and Army veteran Pete Chambers, Kenneth Hyde, and Stephen Samuelson.

Seven Democrats have officially entered the race to challenge Abbott, contending that the governor has veered too far to the right and is overly influenced by principal financial backers. Austin's State Representative, Gina Hinojosa, is focusing her campaign on ethics and anti-corruption reforms, and she has engaged in a notable conflict with Abbott over school vouchers. Andrew White, a businessman from Houston and the son of former Governor Mark White, is entering the race as an “independent Democrat,” aiming to establish himself as a moderate candidate. In the race, we have former U.S. Representative Chris Bell, ex-firefighter Bobby Cole, Patricia Abrego, Angela Villescaz, and Jose Navarro, all vying for a position.

The contest to replace Paxton as attorney general is anticipated to be among the most fiercely contested GOP primaries. State Senators Joan Huffman from Houston and Mayes Middleton from Galveston have submitted a filing, accompanied by Aaron Reitz, a former aide to Paxton and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy has actively campaigned for the office. However, as of Friday, he has not yet filed his candidacy.

The Democratic Party has put forward State Senator Nathan Johnson from Dallas and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski as candidates. Tony Box, a retired FBI agent and federal prosecutor, has declared his intention to run for office, although he has yet to file the necessary paperwork.