Star-Telegram endorsement in Texas Senate district that wraps around Dallas-Fort Worth | Opinion
Any Democrat would face a tremendous uphill battle in Texas Senate District 30, which includes part of Parker County and wraps around Dallas-Fort Worth to the north, like a lopsided mushroom cap. It’s firmly Republican territory.
Of the three Democrats on the ballot, we think web developer Dale Frey is the best choice. The 38-year-old, a resident of The Colony, brings a better knowledge of the district’s needs. It’s a mixture of fast-growing exurban communities and rural areas that will face challenges on water and housing as growth and the rural way of life compete.
Frey has a steady demeanor and, as a federal contractor, experience working with governments and as a Democratic Party precinct chairman.
Rival Matthew McGhee, 34, who conducts maintenance in an automotive plant, brings an unusual mix of experience to the race. The Gainesville resident is a naturalized citizen originally from Canada. And while his working-class perspective might help reach some voters, his policy positions are far too progressive for District 30.
The third candidate in the race, Denison barbershop owner Michael Braxton, did not attend our candidate interview.
If none of the three wins an outright majority in the primary, the top two will advance to a May runoff. The ultimate winner will face one of four Republicans in that party’s primary.
Early voting starts Tuesday and runs through March 1. Election Day is March 5.
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.
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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.