GOP incumbents face March challengers
By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor
The Highlander
On the Republican side of the March 6 primary ballot, some of Texas' most powerful officeholders will find themselves with an opponent — and in some cases, several opponents.
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Houston is seeking re-election to his position, which he first was elected to in 2012. Cruz has two GOP challengers who have filed to run against him: Geraldine Sam of LaMarque and Mary Miller of Austin.
In statewide races, Gov. Greg Abbott of Austin will seek a second term as the state's top executive and has a challenger in Larry Scott “Secede” Kilgore of Irving.
Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick of Houston is likewise seeking re-election, but has drawn a primary opponent in Rockwall businessman and civic leader Scott Milder, who officially filed Thursday.
Incumbent Land Commissioner George P. Bush of Austin, the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, has drawn a pair of challengers in his re-election bid. They include Rick Range of Sherman and Davey Edwards of Decatur.
Two women have filed to run for the Third Court of Appeals District Place 6 seat currently held by Bob Pemberton. They are Donna Davidson and Jennifer S. Freel, both of Austin.
Other GOP candidates for state office who have filed for re-election and are currently unopposed in the primary are:
* U.S. Representative District 25 — Roger Williams (I)
* Attorney General — Ken Paxton (I)
* Comptroller — Glenn Hegar (I)
* Ag Commissioner — Sid Miller (I)
* Railroad Commissioner — Christi Craddick (I)
* Supreme Court Justice Place 4 — John Devine (I)
* Supreme Court Justice Place 6 — Jeff Brown (I)
* State Representative District 20 — Terry Wilson (I)
* Third Court of Appeals District, Place 2 — Cynthia Olson Bourland (I)
* Third Court of Appeals District, Place 3 — Scott Field (I)
* Third Court of Appeals District, Place 5 — David Puryear (I)
* District Judge, 424th Judicial District — Evan Clay Stubbs (I)
Democrats
Eight candidates have filed to run for governor on the March 6 Democratic primary ballot, creating a crowded field from which no one yet has emerged as the frontrunner, though the field now includes the son of a former Texas governor.
Those who have filed include Andrew White of Houston (son of former Texas Gov. Mark White), Adrian Ocegueda of Dallas, Cedric Davis Sr. of Balch Springs, Grady Yarbrough of Flint, Jeffrey Payne of Dallas, Joe Mumbach of Houston, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Tom Wakely of San Antonio.
Two individuals have filed to run for U.S. Senator. They include Beto O'Rourke of El Paso and Edward Kimbrough of Houston.
Five candidates have emerged to challenge incumbent District 25 U.S. Rep. Roger Williams. They are Julie Oliver of Austin, Chris Perri of Austin, Kathi Thomas of Dripping Springs, Chetan Panda of Austin and West Hansen of Austin.
Two people have filed to run for lieutanent governor of Texas: Michael Cooper of Fort Worth and Mike Collier of Humble.
Other Democrat candidates who have filed to run in the primary include:
* Attorney General — Justin Nelson of Austin.
* Land Commissioner — Miguel Suazo of Austin.
* Ag Commissioner — Kim Olson of Mineral Wells.
* Railroad Commissioner — Roman McAllen of Denton.
* Supreme Court Justice Place 2 — Steven Kirkland of Houston.
* Supreme Court Justice Place 4 — R.K. Sandill of Houston.
* Supreme Court Justice Place 6 — Kathy Cheng of Houston.
* Presiding Judge Court of Criminal Appeals — Maria T. (Terri) Jackson of Houston.
* Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 — Ramona Franklin of Katy.
* State Representative District 20 — Stephen M. Wyman of Georgetown.
* Third Court of Appeals District Place 2 — Edward Smith of Austin.
* Third Court of Appeals District Place 3 — Chari Kelly of Austin.
* Third Court of Appeals District Place 6 — Gisela D. Triana of Austin.
