Early voting is almost over. Here’s our recommendations in top Fort Worth-area races
Record numbers of Texans have already cast their votes for president and other federal, state and local offices.
But early voting isn’t over yet. The Thursday and Friday before Election Day often see the heaviest turnout. Between the pandemic and uncertainty about mail-in ballots, thousands of Tarrant County residents may line up to vote before the weekend.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
The Star-Telegram Editorial Board interviewed candidates in several of the most hotly contested races in Tarrant County. Here’s a wrap-up of our recommendations for voters in those key contests. (Be sure to also consult our Voter Guide to see what’s on your ballot and how candidates answered key questions.)
U.S. Senate: Republican John Cornyn, facing a strong challenge from Democrat MJ Hegar, has earned a fourth term. Texas will benefit from his experience and leadership.
Sixth Congressional District: Arlington Republican Ron Wright gets the nod for a second term over inexperienced challenger Democrat Stephen Daniel.
24th Congressional District: Former Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, the Republican, would be better for the region’s economy than Candace Valenzuela, the Democrat seeking this open seat.
House District 92: To replace retiring Rep. Jonathan Stickland in the Capitol, we recommend Democrat Jeff Whitfield, a lawyer who’s well prepared to do legislative business, over staunch conservative Jeff Cason, the Republican nominee.
House District 94: Democrat Alisa Simmons of Arlington would be an upgrade over Republican Rep. Tony Tinderholt, a conservative firebrand.
House District 96: For this open seat, we give a slight edge to Democrat Joe Drago, a Fort Worth lawyer, over former Mansfield Mayor David Cook, the Republican.
House District 97: Rep. Craig Goldman, the Republican incumbent, brings valuable experience and a chance to climb in House leadership, though Democrat Elizabeth Beck, the Fort Worth lawyer, would also make a strong legislator.
Tarrant County sheriff: Democrat Vance Keyes offers police experience and commitment to law-enforcement reform and depoliticizing the Sheriff’s Office, a problem under incumbent Republican Bill Waybourn.
Also, three local governments are asking voters to approve tax rate increases: the Fort Worth and Arlington school districts seek new property-tax revenue, while the city of Arlington wants to increase sales taxes by a quarter-cent to fund economic development projects.
While our board did not make a specific recommendation on these propositions, we’ve noted that governments raising taxes in a time of deep recession and lasting economic uncertainty isn’t the best idea.