Key Down-Ballot Races to Watch in Texas on Super Tuesday
The Texas primary on Super Tuesday is shaping up to be a crucial battleground for both Republicans and Democrats, with high stakes and key down-ballot races to watch. Former President Donald Trump and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley have been campaigning in the state, with Trump leading in the polls by a significant margin.
One of the most closely watched races is the battle to face off against Sen. Ted Cruz, with Rep. Colin Allred and Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez emerging as the top Democratic contenders. Both candidates are highlighting their backgrounds and priorities in their campaigns, aiming to unseat Cruz in a historically red state.
In another key race, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is facing a tough primary challenge from former Houston Council member Amanda Edwards in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Jackson Lee, who recently lost the Houston mayoral race, is up against a younger opponent with a larger war chest, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
The purpling of the suburbs is also a trend to watch, with 10 Democratic hopefuls competing to replace Allred in Texas’ 32nd Congressional District. This district could provide insights into Biden’s strength in suburban areas, as the partisan makeup of these communities continues to evolve.
Additionally, the State Board of Education elections will have an impact on the state’s education system, with ultra-conservative candidates vying for seats that could influence curriculum decisions affecting millions of K-12 students in Texas.
Lastly, the ongoing discourse over immigration and security at the border is a key issue in the Texas primary, with both Trump and Biden making visits to the border in the lead-up to Super Tuesday. Republicans have made gains in border communities in recent elections, narrowing the margin of Democratic dominance and potentially flipping counties in 2024.
Overall, the Texas primary on Super Tuesday is shaping up to be a critical moment in the state’s political landscape, with high-profile races and key issues at play.