Star-Telegram endorsement: Democrats’ best hope in northeast Tarrant House race
Northeast Tarrant County remains tough turf for Democrats. While many have new hope after Taylor Rehmet’s upset win in a state Senate special election, flipping House District 98 probably remains out of reach.
But if it no longer seems impossible to some Democrats, the party needs to put its best foot forward. In the district’s Democratic primary, that’s Cate Brennan. The retired executive for various nonprofit healthcare groups offers better appeal on education and economic issues than opponent Aaron Hendley.
In our interview with the candidates, Brennan, who turns 68 before Election Day and lives in Grapevine, offered a progressive perspective on issues such as healthcare and housing without stepping too far to the left.
She demonstrated understanding that in District 98, which includes Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake and much of Euless, property taxes are a huge issue. But she touted incentives to make more small houses and starter homes available and wants to make sure renters are protected from too much corporate housing ownership.
On health care, she suggested state policies to help expand coverage by creating bigger pools of customers to drive down premiums and, like nearly all Democrats, would encourage expansion of Medicaid, the state-federal program for the working poor.
Hendley, 24, is a fast-food worker who lives in Keller. He has a compelling personal story of growing up poor and dealing with a learning disability and autism. He’s too progressive for this district and would benefit from experience running for a local office or more involvement in the Democratic Party.
The winner of the March 3 primary will face one of three Republicans in the fall, and the ultimate winner will replace retiring Republican Rep. Giovanni Capriglione. Early voting is Feb 17-27. House members are elected to two-year terms.
ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN ENDORSEMENTS
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; 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 February 11, 2026 at 4:38 AM.