There’s no replacing Kay Granger. But here’s our endorsement for Fort Worth House seat | Opinion
Craig Goldman will be the first to tell you there’s no replacing U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, who’s retiring from Congress after three decades delivering for Tarrant County.
But Goldman, a six-term Republican state representative from Fort Worth, is determined to try. He’s the region’s best bet for developing a next-generation leader in the 12th Congressional District, and voters should be happy to send him to Washington.
Granger spent years accumulating clout that paid off in defense industry jobs and vital projects for the area. She rose on the Appropriations Committee, where members direct billions in federal spending, eventually becoming chairwoman.
When her successor arrives as a first-year representative, it’s back to the bottom of the ladder. But Goldman shows signs that he’ll be able to chart a quick path upward, even if he never quite ascends to Granger’s heights. He became a committee chairman and confidante of state House leaders, and he propelled bills such as “Molly Jane’s Law,” which has expanded sexual assault investigations to national scope, helping to solve serial cases through use of DNA databases.
Goldman, 56, understands the need for Texas to maintain its business-friendly climate and the challenges created by sustained growth. He has taken some criticism from staunch conservatives that he’s not a warrior in the mold of more recently elected Republicans, but he’ll be a reliable vote for conservative priorities. Among those is border security, where Goldman recognizes the need for federal action to aid Texas and, in particular, target drug trafficking.
His Democratic opponent, Trey J. Hunt, is a well-meaning progressive but unready for the office. Hunt, 29, works in homeless outreach for MHMR of Tarrant County. His campaign has included proposals to convert defense jobs to green economy work. As the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East demonstrate, this is no time to reduce American military might, especially the vital weapons manufactured here. Hunt, who did not respond to our request for an interview, was the Democratic nominee in 2022 as well, losing to Granger.
The district includes much of western Tarrant County, along with more than half of Parker County. The winner will earn a two-year term in Washington. Early voting starts Oct. 21 and ends Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 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; Bradford William Davis, columnist and editorial writer; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.
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 October 19, 2024 at 5:21 AM.