As the 2024 elections approach, nine Texas State Senate seats are heating up with competitive races that could shape the future of our great state. Conservatives and liberals alike are rallying behind their candidates, with incumbents facing strong challengers. Here’s a look at the key districts and the candidates vying for your vote.
Key Districts and Candidates
| District | Democratic Candidate | Republican Candidate | Other Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 6 | Carol Alvarado (i) | Martha Fierro | – |
| District 7 | Michelle Gwinn | Paul Bettencourt (i) | – |
| District 8 | Rachel Mello | Angela Paxton (i) | Ed Kless (Libertarian Party) |
| District 10 | Andy Morris | Phil King (i) | – |
| District 12 | Stephanie Draper | Tan Parker (i) | – |
| District 17 | Kathy Cheng | Joan Huffman (i) | – |
| District 25 | Merrie Fox | Donna Campbell (i) | – |
| District 27 | Morgan LaMantia (i) | Adam Hinojosa | Robin Lee Vargas (Green Party) |
| District 30 | Dale Frey | Brent Hagenbuch | – |
Democratic Incumbents in the Spotlight
Two districts with Democratic incumbents are up for grabs this election cycle:
- District 6: Carol Alvarado (i) is being challenged by Republican Martha Fierro. Alvarado has held her seat firmly, but Fierro is working hard to gain traction and bring a conservative shift to the district. Fierro, a Mexican-born immigrant and Texas-raised Latina, is the Houston Director for Hispanic Action Network. She has been involved in community and civic engagement, aiming to empower pastors and ministries across Houston. Fierro’s platform emphasizes traditional conservative values, including pro-life stances and advocacy against human trafficking.
- District 27: Morgan LaMantia (i) faces a tough race against Republican Adam Hinojosa and Green Party candidate Robin Lee Vargas. Hinojosa, making his second attempt for the seat after a narrow loss in 2022, is a fourth-generation Texan and successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes his business acumen, having turned around a struggling restaurant during the pandemic, and advocates for reducing government intervention in business. Hinojosa’s campaign focuses on conservative values, such as supporting the Second Amendment, pro-life positions, and securing the border.
Republican Strongholds Facing Challenges
Six districts with Republican incumbents are also contested:
- District 7: Paul Bettencourt (i) is challenged by Democrat Michelle Gwinn.
- District 8: Angela Paxton (i) is facing Democrat Rachel Mello and Libertarian Ed Kless.
- District 10: Phil King (i) is up against Democrat Andy Morris.
- District 12: Tan Parker (i) is being challenged by Democrat Stephanie Draper.
- District 17: Joan Huffman (i) faces Democrat Kathy Cheng.
- District 25: Donna Campbell (i) is up against Democrat Merrie Fox.
District 30: New Faces in the Race
District 30 is unique this cycle, as it features two new candidates. Brent Hagenbuch won the Republican bid in a runoff against Jace Yarbrough, while Dale Frey secured the Democratic nomination by defeating Michael Braxton. According to unofficial voting results, all precincts in Collin and Denton counties have reported, setting the stage for an exciting race between these fresh contenders.
Uncontested Districts
In addition to the contested races, five districts are also on the ballot but have no challengers, ensuring their incumbents remain in office:
- District 14: Sarah Eckhardt (i)
- District 15: Democratic primary runoff results pending, Joseph L. Trahan (Republican)
- District 16: Nathan Johnson (i)
- District 20: Juan Hinojosa (i)
- District 23: Royce West (i)
Conservative Strongholds Under Threat?
The 2024 elections present a significant opportunity for conservatives to strengthen their influence in the Texas State Senate, but they also face the risk of losing key seats to determined challengers. Incumbents like Paul Bettencourt (District 7), Angela Paxton (District 8), and Phil King (District 10) are up against candidates who are eager to push Texas towards more liberal policies.
Your Vote Matters
Every vote in these districts is crucial. It’s up to the voters to ensure that Texas remains a beacon of conservative values and continues to promote policies that foster growth, freedom, and prosperity. Be informed, stay engaged, and make your voice heard in the 2024 elections.
For detailed information on each candidate and their platforms, stay tuned to Texas Liberty Journal as we bring you comprehensive coverage and analysis leading up to the elections.