| This week, I'm writing a series of posts that begins a more in-depth conversation about the Texas House races that are being challenged this year. Yesterday, I talked about the unchallenged Republicans. Keep checking back all week for more information.
This election cycle, twenty-eight House Democrats are unchallenged (compared to thirty-two Republicans). Here are some of my general impressions on those who weren't being challenged, and feel free to leave your ideas below in the comments.
Craddick D's -- Former and Current -- Without Opposition
Rep. Joe Deshotel, HD 22
Rep. Ryan Guillen, HD 31
Rep. Eddie Lucio III, HD 38
Rep. Norma Chavez, HD 76
Rep. Tracy King, HD 80
Rep. Helen Giddings, HD 109
Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, HD 120
Rep. Sylvester Turner, HD 139
Rep. Harold Dutton, HD 142
That's right -- 9 of the original 15 Craddick D's don't even have an opponent. Something to keep in mind the next time a conservative tells you Democrats are constantly purging their own. Of course, of these 9, 3 of them (Chavez, Deshotel, and Lucio III) could probably no longer be considered a Craddick D. Another, Rep. Tracy King, is still unknown in his future Speaker intentions, though he may be leaning away from Craddick.
The remaining 5 Craddick D's -- Rep. Guillen, Rep. McClendon, Rep. Giddings, Rep. Dutton, and Rep. Turner -- all are extremely strong in their districts. Even Rep. Dutton, despite being behind on his child support payments, didn't get a challenger. I'm not surprised Rep. Turner didn't get challenged -- as Rep. Coleman has said, he's "very strong in his district." After all, why waste time recruiting token candidates against strong incumbents?
"Newer" Democrats Who Went Unchallenged
Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles, HD 35
Rep. Marc Veasey, HD 95
Rep. Alma Allen, HD 131
All three of these Democrats won races in the primary season in 2004. Rep. Allen beat Ron Wilson, Rep. Veasey beat Glenn Lewis, two Craddick D's that lost that year. Rep. Gonzalez-Toureilles replaced an ethically challenged Gabi Canales.
My point being -- the primary process often works, and gets us better House Members than those we had before. All three of these House Members -- in addition to some more we'll talk about later this week -- are a testament to that.
The WD-40's -- White Democrats Over 40 (What a Terrible Name)
Rep. Allan Ritter, HD 21
Rep. David Farabee, HD 69
Two traditionally challenged rural Democrats get by unscathed this cycle. Part of the reason? Perhaps its the $164,000 thats currently in the cash-on-hand for the Texas 20/20 PAC.
The Remaining Unchallenged Democrats
Rep. Craig Eiland, HD 23
Rep. Armando Martinez, HD 39
Rep. Richard Raymond, HD 42
Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, HD 51
Rep. Jim Dunnam, HD 57
Rep. Joe Pickett, HD 79
Rep. Terri Hodge, HD 100
Rep. Rafael Anchia, HD 103
Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway, HD 110
Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, HD 116
Rep. Mike Villarreal, HD 123
Rep. Jose Menendez, HD 124
Rep. Joaquin Castro, HD 125
Rep. Scott Hochberg, HD 137
Some quick observations about the others on this list: - Rep. Jim Dunnam going unchallenged is a surprise -- given his strong opposition to Craddick and the relatively rural nature of his district. It just goes to show you how strong leadership in rural areas of the state can work.
- Rep. Craig Eiland and Rep. Scott Hochberg both escaped Republican challengers, which is great for both Representatives. Both are leaders for Democrats on key issues, but both have faced challenging races before. Having them both free will help Democrats in the Greater Houston area.
- Rep. Eddie Rodriguez wasn't challenged. As predictable as this is, it's interesting that Rep. Naishtat was. In fact, Republicans only challenged Democrats whose seats are mostly contained west of Interstate 35. Coincidence?
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