The 2020 Election Season began on Nov. 9 in Texas with the opening of the candidate filing window. The incumbents and hopeful giant slayers have until Dec. 9 to claim their spot on a primary ballot. It’s also the last day for independent candidates to file their declaration of intent to run.
Primary day is March 3 Super Tuesday. And while all eyes that day will be on the posse of democratic candidates running for the presidential nomination, there will be a flurry of activity down ballot for democrats.
The primary victors will then move on to the general election which is Tuesday, Nov. 3. And again the presidential contest will be the main event but down ballot Texans will be making choices that could make history; for a U.S. Senate race, The Texas house of representatives and senate, judgeships and county office holders.
It’s up the chairmen of the two major parties in Texas to recruit candidates, raise money, train party staff, energize the base, grow the grass roots, define a party message and brand – then hopfully emerge victorious on election day.
Both major party chairmen, Republican Chairman James Dickey and Democratic Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, say they are optimistic about the coming elections.
When it comes to predicting the political future of former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, both chairmen say they are in the dark. But Dickey said he's not concerned if O'Rourke jumps in to challenge Texas Sen. John Cornyn.
"The Texan Texas voters have seen enough from O'Rourke over the last couple of years to know that he is the worst kind of panderer and ultra extremist leftist. And that means that regardless of what he does, it will not be a significant factor," said Dickey.
Hinojosa said he doesn't know what O'Rourke is planning but his presence isn't missed.
"I think we got something like 12 candidates right now running for the Senate and a great set of candidates that I think any one of which if they become the nominee can beat Cornyn."
David Martin Davies can be reached at DMDavies@TPR.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi.
