See every Star-Telegram endorsement for Texas primary runoffs | Opinion
Republicans and Democrats settled most of their internal fights in their March primaries. But some of the biggest contests for November moved to runoffs for the most committed voters to settle, starting when early voting opens May 18.
We’re here to help. Most of the Editorial Board’s candidate endorsements from March stand, with one key addition in a GOP race in which our choice did not finish in the top two. Here’s a roundup of our recommendations for the May 26 runoff elections.
REPUBLICANS
U.S. Senate: This has long been the state’s marquee race, and it’s finally coming to a head. Republicans should choose incumbent John Cornyn over the ethically flawed, politically overrated challenger, Ken Paxton. Cornyn will be a more effective senator, something President Donald Trump needs in the tumultuous final two years of his term.
Attorney general: To replace Paxton, the state will need someone to come in and clean up the corruption and neglect that marked his three terms. The GOP’s best bet for that is Chip Roy, whose experience in the AG’s office, in Congress and as a key aide to former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz gives him the necessary knowledge and clout. Rival Mayes Middleton has been an unremarkable state senator, and his legal experience doesn’t stack up to Roy’s.
Railroad Commission: We backed oilfield veteran Hawk Dunlap in the first round, but the runoff spots went to incumbent Jim Wright and political provocateur Bo French. Neither is ideal, but French’s extensive history of bigotry and nastiness should disqualify him from higher office.
30th Congressional District: The winner of this quiet runoff will face an uphill battle against Democrat Frederick D. Haynes III, the heavy favorite to succeed Rep. Jasmine Crockett. We prefer defense attorney Sholdon Daniels over apparel customization shop owner Everett Jackson for his independent conservatism and willingness to work on traditional congressional oversight. The district is mostly in Dallas County but includes significant parts of Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield.
DEMOCRATS
Lieutenant governor: State Rep. Vikki Goodwin represents Democrats’ best chance at wielding an experienced ticket against the Republican juggernaut of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Goodwin offers interesting policy specifics and a sense of how to win and govern that her opponent, Houston-area labor leader Marcos Velez, can’t match.
Attorney general: State Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas gets the nod over former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski. Both are energetic candidates, but Johnson’s experience winning what was not long ago a Republican district indicates he’d be competitive in the fall, and his interest in boosting consumer-protection functions in the office is promising.
Tarrant County Commissioners Court, Precinct 2: Former Fort Worth City Council member Jared Williams gives Democrats their best chance in this precinct, now drawn to favor a Republican. Williams, a nonprofit leader, has name recognition and a constituency from his council days. His rival, Amanda Arizola, is also a good candidate with experience in policy areas that would serve the precinct.
You do not have to have voted in a party’s primary to cast a ballot in the runoff. However, if you did vote in the first round, you cannot cross over to the other party’s runoff.
Tarrant County voters can cast ballots at any county voting location. Early voting runs through May 22. Election Day is May 26.
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.