THCA Notes

Volume XXXI, Number 9
September 2016

Quiet General Election Taking Shape in Texas

Despite the fireworks generated in national election, almost no change is expected in the Texas legislature and statewide offices.

Neither the Governor nor Lieutenant Governor will face voters until 2018.The only statewide offices on this year’s ballot are seats on the Railroad Commission, the State Supreme Court, and the State Court of Criminal Appeals.

In legislative races, sixteen of the Texas Senate’s 31 seats are up for election. But most are unopposed in November and none are expected to be competitive.

In the Texas House, all 150 seats are on the ballot but only 53 have candidates from both parties. The Texas Tribune estimates that just nine of these are competitive, all of which are currently held by Republicans.

Experts believe the fallout from the Presidential campaign could have an impact on these races and possibly place more seats in play. Even if several upsets take place, Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) is expected to easily retain his post presiding over the Texas House.

The Senate currently has 20 Republican members and 11 Democrats. There are currently 99 Republicans, 50 Democrats, and one independent member in the House.

The deadline to register to vote in Texas is October 11.

Early voting begins in Texas on October 24. Election Day is November 8.