Races to Watch in Texas’s Primary Runoffs: Cornyn-Paxton, Chip Roy’s Attorney General Bid, House Contests

As the primary election season heats up in Texas, voters face a critical decision that will shape the state’s politics for years to come. On May 24th, several high-stakes contests will take center stage, including the US Senate runoff between Senator John Cornyn and his Republican challenger, Ted Cruz, as well as competitive House contests that could flip control of Congress.

Cornyn vs. Paxton: The U.S. Senate Contest

Senator John Cornyn’s long tenure in office has drawn fire from both parties due to his voting record, which includes support for the Export-Import Bank and opposition to term limits on Congressional leadership. His main challenger, Representative Chip Roy, is a staunch conservative who has built a reputation for pushing hardline positions on immigration and law enforcement.

While Cornyn’s pragmatism may be an asset for some voters, others will see him as out of touch with the increasingly conservative state party. M.J. Hegar’s placeholder candidate has a mixed record on issues like border security and election integrity.

Chip Roy’s Attorney General Bid: A Closer Look

Representative Chip Roy is known for his unwavering commitment to conservative causes, particularly in regards to border security, where he has taken a hardline stance that includes not only building a wall but also imposing stricter visa policies. His voting record suggests he’s willing to push the limits of what’s considered acceptable in order to stem the tide of immigration.

Others may be more concerned with his stance on election integrity, which has raised eyebrows among some who worry about Republican attempts to suppress Democratic votes. While Roy insists that voter ID laws are necessary to prevent fraud, critics argue that these measures have a disproportionate impact on minority communities.

House Contests Worth Watching in Texas

As voters consider their choices for US Senate and Attorney General, they’d also do well to examine the competitive House contests that could flip control of Congress. CD 10, a Democratic-leaning district currently held by Representative Michael McCaul, is shaping up as one of the most competitive in the state.

CD 32 and CD 36 are both highly contested districts that could see significant shifts in representation. In CD 32, Representative Pete Sessions faces a tough challenge from Colin Allred, a former NFL player turned lawyer who has built a strong coalition among progressive voters. And in CD 36, the Democratic nominee will be vying for an open seat currently held by retiring Representative Brian Babin.

What’s at Stake: A Guide to the Issues on the Ballot

As voters head to the polls on May 24th, they’ll also have a chance to weigh in on several ballot measures and constitutional amendments. Proposition 3 aims to make it easier for Texans to vote by allowing automatic voter registration when citizens obtain or renew their driver’s license or state ID.

Proposition 4 raises the cap on property tax revenue that school districts can collect to fund local schools, but critics warn that it could lead to a new wave of taxing authority for state and local governments.

Who’s Running in Texas: Candidate Profiles

Senator John Cornyn is a longtime incumbent with a reputation for pragmatism. He has built alliances across party lines that have earned him both praise and criticism. Representative Chip Roy is a stalwart conservative who has pushed hardline positions on immigration and law enforcement reform. M.J. Hegar’s placeholder candidate has a mixed record on issues like border security and election integrity.

Voting Information and Resources

Eligible voters must be registered with their party of choice by April 23rd in order to participate. Polls will open on May 24th at 7am and close at 7pm. Voters can check their registration status or find their polling location online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Make no mistake: these elections matter. Not just because they have the potential to shape the course of state politics, but also because they represent a moment of accountability for voters who will be deciding whether to give entrenched leaders another term or try something new.