Campaign News
02/17/2022

Early Turnout Crosses 2% and Other News for February 17

TXElects

Early voting for the March 1 primary election continues through February 25. Statewide, early voting turnout was just over 2% of registered voters through yesterday (Wednesday), the third day of the early voting period.

Campaign Finance: Today (Thursday) was the deadline for federal candidates seeking primary nominations to file their pre-primary reports. Our Crib Sheets are being updated as the reports become available online. We expect to have a breakdown of the totals and how those totals have historically signaled primary success (or failure) tomorrow (Friday).

AG (Lean R): U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) endorsed Lee Merritt (D).

SD10 (Likely R): The Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorsed Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) to face Sen. Beverly Powell (D-Burleson).

HD19 open (Safe R): Republican candidate Justin Berry was among 19 Austin police officers indicted in connection with the May 2020 protests in the city, reported the Austin American-Statesman’s Ryan Autullo.

HD147 open (Safe D): Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) announced he would resign effective February 28. A special election will be required to fill his unexpired term.

CD6 (Safe R): Former President Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Waxahachie). Trump endorsed Ellzey’s opponent, Susan Wright, in the 2021 special election won by Ellzey in a runoff.

CD12 (Likely R): Former President Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth). Trump endorsed Granger in 2020 when she was facing a spirited challenge from Chris Putnam.

CD15 open (Toss Up): Former President Trump endorsed Monica De a Cruz-Hernandez (R).

CD30 open (Safe D): Cryptocurrency traders’ PACs Protect our Future and WEB3 Forward have each spent nearly $1M in support of Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas), according to its latest report. Neither PAC has been required to disclose its donors yet.

CD38 open (Safe R): Former President Trump endorsed Wesley Hunt (R). Trump previously endorsed Hunt during his 2020 race for CD7.

Tarrant Co.: Former President Trump endorsed Phil Sorrells (R) for district attorney.

Mail Ballots: The Secretary of State’s office has been redirecting thousands of absentee ballot requests sent to it using reply envelopes supplied by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s (R) campaign, reported the Houston Chronicle‘s Cayla Harris. Absentee ballot requests must be sent to the voters’ county election officials, not the state. Friday is the deadline for voters to request absentee ballots.

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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.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

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
This is some text inside of a div block.

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!