Election Day is here. Still undecided? Check out our Tarrant, Texas vote recommendations

Early voting is complete, and now, Texans have one last chance to make themselves heard in the 2022 midterm elections.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. In Tarrant County, you can vote at any polling place.

With major county offices open, Tarrant voters are choosing a new direction for the county. We’ll select a new county judge, district attorney and two of the four members of the commissioners court, along with the usual list of county officers and criminal judges.

Early voting dropped significantly from four years ago, when the 2018 election at the midpoint of Donald Trump’s term in the White House boosted interest among Democrats and Republicans alike. Overall turnout is likely to be down.

That’s too bad. Our state officeholders and legislators face crucial decisions to set Texas for its future, with a chance to boost schools, prepare for possible economic gloom and make our communities safer.

So, even if there’s less intensity, it’s important that you weigh in on what you want from your governments at every level. To help, we interviewed candidates in several key races and offer these recommendations.

STATE

Governor: Republican Greg Abbott is seeking a third term against Democrat Beto O’Rourke, a former El Paso congressman. Both bring strengths, and with O’Rourke, Texas government could shift back to the middle. But Abbott is the better choice to keep Texas prosperous and prepare it for the future. Recommendation: Abbott.

Lieutenant governor: The Senate needs new leadership that allows for better legislation on schools, healthcare and social issues. Democrat Mike Collier brings business experience and a willingness to compromise that Republican incumbent Dan Patrick can’t match. Recommendation: Collier.

Attorney general: Democrat Rochelle Garza would be far more progressive than the average Texan. But incumbent Republican Ken Paxton is ethically challenged, runs a poorly managed office and is dangerous for democracy. Recommendation: Garza.

Railroad commissioner: Democrat Luke Warford, a former political staffer and consultant, would challenge business as usual in the state’s regulation of oil and gas. Incumbent Republican Wayne Christian is too close to industry, especially his campaign donors. Recommendation: Warford.

Land commissioner: Democrat Jay Kleberg has land management in his blood as a member of the family that owns the famed King Ranch. He will tackle problems such as coastal disaster relief and environmental protection. Republican Dawn Buckingham, a state senator, lacks the experience needed for the job. Recommendation: Kleberg.

Senate District 9: Republican incumbent Kelly Hancock has been a legislative leader. This district now covers about half of Tarrant County, and Hancock’s experience will benefit the region. He’s in a rematch with Democrat Gwenn Burud, whom Hancock beat in 2018. Recommendation: Hancock.

House District 92: Now a strongly Democratic district, this north and east Tarrant County open seat should go to Democrat Salman Bhojani. His experience on the Euless City Council gives him a good grounding of what the area needs. Republican Joe Livingston is running as a staunch conservative. Recommendation: Bhojani.

COUNTY AND LOCAL

Tarrant County judge: Democrat Deborah Peoples brings the problem-solving approach county government needs to tackle challenges such as reforming the Tarrant County Jail. We’re concerned Republican Tim O’Hare may bog down the Commissioners Court in partisan social-issue battles. Recommendation: Peoples.

District attorney: Tarrant County voters have two experienced options in Republican Phil Sorrells and Democrat Tiffany Burks. We give a slight edge to Sorrells, confident he’ll be able to tackle rising crime and improve the office’s function. Recommendation: Sorrells.

Commissioners court, precinct 2: Republican Andy Nguyen previously held the seat and has thorough knowledge of county government. But Democrat Alisa Simmons is more in step with this Arlington district and brings a long record of community service. Recommendation: Simmons.

Arlington term limits: This vote will make City Council term limits a little more reasonable, allowing maximum service of three terms of three-years, or nine total. Currently, the terms are two years. Recommendation: Yes.

This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 5:43 AM.