I’m working my way around the state of Texas, and have hit West, East, and North so far. It’s a bleak outlook in quite a few races. For a nice pick-me-up, it’s time to look at South Texas! The Rio Grande Valley has long been a Democratic stronghold, though the occasional Republican slips through. It also has its fair share of perennial candidates who aren’t exactly credible. One thing I love and hate about being a Democrat: we try not to discourage anybody from participating. With the exception of the super-fringe LaRouche folks, we take ‘em all.
CD-15
District 15 has been held by Reuben Hinojosa since 1996. Earlier this year, he announced that he would not seek another term, and it’s set off a 7-candidate Democratic primary to replace him. There are three Republicans seeking the seat (Tim Westley, Ruben Villarreal, and Xavier Salinas). Given that Democrats have taken this seat with at least 60% of the vote in Presidential election years, I expect it to remain in Democratic hands in 2016. That said, seven candidates running makes this an almost inevitable runoff primary. Depending on how much the candidates bloody each other, the general election could be closer than comfortable. The candidates are:
- Dolly Elizondo
- Joel Quintanilla
- Johnny “JP” Partain
- Juan “Sonny” Palacios, Jr.
- Rance G “Randy” Sweeten
- Ruben Ramirez Hinojosa
- Vincente Gonzalez
CD-27
The Republican incumbent is Blake “Ducky Pajamas” Farenthold. He’s one of the most strident “birther” congressmen, and recently settled a sexual harassment suit brought by his former communications director. He’s being challenged by three Democrats, two of whom are perennial candidates.
I’ve lost track of how many times Ray Madrigal has run for something, but his most recent endeavor was to primary Wendy Davis for Governor. He has never won, and I don’t hold out much hope for him this time.
Wayne Raasch is another often-ran, having stepped up for TX-05 in 2002, TX-11 in 2004, and most recently TX HD-28 in 2010.
Raul “Roy” Barrera isn’t showing up in any searches yet. I’m hoping it’s not the guy who was the Republican candidate for Attorney General against Jim Mattox back in the ‘86 cycle. However, if it IS, and he’ll have to prove his Democratic credentials. I can’t say that I’d blame him for leaving the current Republican party.
CD-28
Democratic incumbent Henry Cuellar has held this seat since 1992. He faces a primary challenge from William Hayward. If my research is correct, Mr. Hayward has voted in Republican primaries in 2006, 2008, and 2012.
The actual Republican candidate is Zeffen Hardin.
I don’t see either of these candidates dislodging Henry Cuellar, but they are welcome to give it a go.
CD-34
The truly safe seat: Filemon Vela is the only candidate who filed for TX-34, and the incumbent Democrat will retain his seat for the next cycle. I hope he uses his free time to help other Democrats get elected!