Campaign News
07/09/2020

Democratic Runoff Turnout Could Be Highest in 30 Years and Other News for July 9

Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer
TXElects

Early voting concludes tomorrow (Friday) for the July 14 primary runoff and special elections.

Through yesterday (Wednesday) – the seventh or eighth day of early voting in person depending on the county – 482K people have voted in the Democratic runoff statewide (38% by mail) and 317K have voted in the Republican runoff (30% by mail), amounting to 2.95% ad 1.94% of all registered voters, respectively. Nearly twice as many Democrats (183K) have voted by mail than Republicans (94K) so far.

Statewide Democratic turnout already exceeds the 2018 runoff, including Election Day, and also exceeds the number of votes cast in each of the 1996, 2000, 2006, 2008 and 2012 runoffs. The number of voters participating in the Democratic runoff is on pace to be the highest since 1990.

SEN: A new poll from TargetPoint finds M.J. Hegar leading Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), 40%-33%, among “self-identified Democrats” who are “likely” to vote in the runoff. Her lead shrinks to within the margin of error, 33%-29%, when self-identified independents and Republicans – who are nonetheless likely Democratic runoff voters – are included. It was first touted by the campaign of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R). The poll of 830 likely runoff voters was conducted by telephone and “mobile technology” on July 8. The stated margin of error is ±3.2%.

CD21: The campaign of Democratic challenger Wendy Davis said she raised $1.4M during the second quarter and will report having $2.8M on hand.

CD22 open: The campaign of Democratic nominee Sri Kulkarni said he raised $950K during the second quarter and will report having $1.1M on hand.

Republican Convention: The Republican Party of Texas has sued the city of Houston and Houston First Corporation over their decision to cancel next week’s state convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The suit claims Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner unlawfully canceled the event out of “ideological viewpoint discrimination” after permitting mass protests.

District Judge Larry Weiman (D) denied the party’s motion after a hearing this afternoon (Thursday), which enables the party to appeal directly to the Texas Supreme Court.

Round Rock: The city council voted to delay this year’s general and special elections to May 2021. The elections were delayed from May 2 of this year to November 3 because of COVID-19. The move effectively extends the current terms of office for Mayor Craig Morgan and council members Tammy Young (Place 1), who was not seeking re-election, and Will Peckham (Place 4) by one year. Places 3 and 5 will also be up for election in May 2021. The filing period will not be reopened because of the postponement.

©2020 Texas Election Source LLC

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Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies. In the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, steelworkers union leader Marcos Vélez is gaining traction with major labor backing and fresh scrutiny over fundraising ties linked to Texas Majority PAC as the primary nears. Lastly, Abbott says the White House is developing a plan to “recalibrate” ICE enforcement after fallout in Minnesota, as Texas simultaneously weighs billions more for Operation Lone Star and its ongoing border strategy.

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Texas is facing a pivotal legal test over its election system as Republicans seek to end open primaries, a move that supporters frame as protecting party autonomy and critics warn could create new barriers to voter participation. At the same time, federal officials are considering a land exchange that would allow SpaceX to expand its South Texas launch site, renewing debate over how to balance economic growth with the preservation of sensitive wildlife habitat along the Gulf Coast. Lastly, a federal judge has blocked a new Texas law regulating children’s access to app stores, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty over how far states can go in policing online safety without infringing on constitutional rights.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

#44 - Hope Osborn: Building Community for Women in Texas Politics with Pink Granite
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Welcome to Episode #44 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Hope Osborn, Co-Founder of The Pink Granite Foundation.

Hope brings more than a decade of experience across the Texas Capitol, having worked in both chambers, both parties, and in the advocacy world. She shares the story behind The Pink Granite Foundation and how it has grown into a nonpartisan force for uplifting, connecting, and supporting women in Texas politics. From its grassroots beginnings to the impact of the 2025 Pink Granite Party, Hope provides an inside look at how the organization strengthens the political ecosystem.

Laura and Hope explore the nonprofit’s mentorship programs, year-round community-building efforts, and the unique pressures women face working under the dome. Hope offers insight into why women’s leadership in politics matters, how to break down persistent barriers, and what the future looks like for the next generation of female leaders in Texas policymaking.

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Welcome back, friends,

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies. In the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, steelworkers union leader Marcos Vélez is gaining traction with major labor backing and fresh scrutiny over fundraising ties linked to Texas Majority PAC as the primary nears. Lastly, Abbott says the White House is developing a plan to “recalibrate” ICE enforcement after fallout in Minnesota, as Texas simultaneously weighs billions more for Operation Lone Star and its ongoing border strategy.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
This is some text inside of a div block.

Welcome back, friends

Texas is facing a pivotal legal test over its election system as Republicans seek to end open primaries, a move that supporters frame as protecting party autonomy and critics warn could create new barriers to voter participation. At the same time, federal officials are considering a land exchange that would allow SpaceX to expand its South Texas launch site, renewing debate over how to balance economic growth with the preservation of sensitive wildlife habitat along the Gulf Coast. Lastly, a federal judge has blocked a new Texas law regulating children’s access to app stores, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty over how far states can go in policing online safety without infringing on constitutional rights.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
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Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!