By Ed Sterling.
Texas’ primary election is set for March 4, 2014, and the list of candidates for statewide office is largely settled, with Dec. 9 as the filing deadline.
Most recently gaining notice was state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, who announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor on Nov. 23.
Van de Putte has 22 years of experience as a state lawmaker — eight years as a state representative and 14 years as a senator. She serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations. Van de Putte and her colleague Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, who is seeking the Texas Democratic Party’s nomination for governor, form the nucleus of an effort to end a 20-year Republican sweep in statewide elections. Also seeking the Texas Democratic Party’s nomination for lieutenant governor is Seadrift Municipal Court Judge Reynaldo “Ray” Madrigal.
State Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican, is campaigning to succeed Rick Perry as governor. Last summer, Perry chose not to seek another term in the office he has occupied since 2001 and speculation about his mounting a second run for the presidency continues. Also running for the Republican Party of Texas’ gubernatorial nomination are former Univision personality Miriam Martinez of the Rio Grande Valley, author and former radio show host Lisa Fritsch of Austin and secessionist Larry S. Kilgore of Arlington.
Others in the race:
Four Republicans will vie for Lt. Gov., including incumbent David Dewhurst, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Ag Commissioner Todd Staples and State Sen. Dan Patrick.
Ed Sterling works for the Texas Press Association and follows the Legislature for the organization.
