We’ll state the obvious: Beto O’Rourke is Democrats’ top choice for governor. Here’s why
A few candidates are running for governor in the Democratic primary, but just one is known by first name: Beto. O’ Rourke. You may have heard of him?
O’Rourke, of course, is the former El Paso Democratic congressman who came within a couple points of beating Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, winning national attention and Democratic adoration. Then came an ill-advised and short-lived presidential run. Now, he’s back in Texas, returning to a more moderate tone.
Even with his fame, his campaign against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will be a difficult challenge. But O’Rourke, 49, is the only option if Democrats want a chance to win.
In an interview with the Editorial Board, O’Rourke identified several areas he’s targeting, including the best way to handle the border, improving the power grid, and schools. We don’t love all his ideas; he wants to straight-up legalize marijuana, while we prefer a go-slow approach to decriminalization.
But O’Rourke comes across as positive, magnetic and pushing for change without sounding like a far-left progressive. He’s even walked back his gun-confiscation gaffe in a way that seems believable: He now emphasizes that he supports Second Amendment rights but also wants to protect Texans from gun violence.
We enjoyed, no pun intended, hearing from Democratic rival Joy Diaz, 45, of Austin. The former public radio reporter had some good ideas and may have a bright future in politics ahead, but she isn’t quite ready for statewide office.
Rich Wakeland, 64 of Austin, is running as a more conservative Democrat, arguing that moderating on issues such as guns is necessary to gain power so the party can protect LGBTQ rights and women’s rights. Wakeland is knowledgeable, but his message doesn’t match where the party is.
Inocencio “Inno” Barrientez, 72, Seguin, is spirited but came across as a citizen who got mad about a couple things and decided to run on a whim. Also running is Michael Cooper, who’s sought statewide office on Democratic ballots before.
Early voting starts Monday and ends Feb. 25 for the March 1 election. It’s unlikely, but should O’Rourke not win outright, a May runoff would decide the nomination.
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.
This story was originally published February 13, 2022 at 5:03 AM.