Election 2024: Major decisions in Texas
Writer: Andrea Teran
July 2024 — As Texas heads into the 2024 elections, several pivotal races will shape the political landscape of its major cities and metropolitan areas.
Texas’ election system uses a combination of primary, primary runoff, and general elections to select candidates for various offices. The primary election took place on March 5, 2024, followed by a primary runoff on May 28, 2024. The general election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Texas has a diverse and growing voter population, with nearly 18 million registered voters and known for its large and diverse electorate. The state has seen increasing voter engagement in recent years, with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural voters shaping the outcomes.
The most significant race in Texas is the presidential election. The 2024 elections set the stage for these contests. In the Democratic primary, Joe Biden won with 84.6% of the vote, while Donald Trump secured the Republican primary with 77.8%. In the U.S. Senate race, Colin Allred won the Democratic primary with 58.9% of the vote, while Ted Cruz secured the Republican primary with 88.3%. These outcomes illustrate the competitive nature of Texas politics leading into the 2025 elections.
Dallas County voters will choose officials for critical roles, including the sheriff, tax assessor-collector, county commissioners, and district court judges. During the primary runoff election, Dallas County saw incumbent Sheriff Marian Brown defeat former Sheriff Lupe Valdez with 68% of the vote. For example, in May, Dallas voters approved bond propositions totaling over $1.25 billion for streets and transportation, parks and recreational facilities, flood control and storm drainage, libraries, cultural and performing arts facilities, public safety facilities, economic development, affordable housing, supportive housing, and to strengthen the city’s information technology infrastructure. Tarrant County also faces elections for sheriff, tax assessor-collector, and judicial roles. Key issues include balancing urban growth with maintaining community safety and infrastructure.
Houston’s diverse electorate and its status as a hub for the energy and technology industries make it a focal point for candidates from both major political parties. In Houston, political newcomer Molly Cook recently won a special election for a seat in the Texas Senate, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ state senator in Texas. Harris County will see elections for county attorney, district attorney, sheriff, and various judicial positions. Recently, Sean Teare defeated incumbent Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg in the Democratic primary. Teare will face Republican candidate Houston attorney Dan Simons in the general election.
Bexar County voters will elect a sheriff, tax assessor-collector, county commissioners, and various judges. With San Antonio’s continued growth, key issues include infrastructure development, public transportation, and affordable housing. Notable primary and runoff results are also shaping the political landscape. For example, Tony Gonzales narrowly won his runoff for U.S. Representative District 23, and Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores secured her position in a decisive victory.
Austin and its surrounding areas, including Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, will be instrumental. Mayor Kirk Watson is running for re-election, facing challengers Carmen Llanes Pulido, Doug Greco, and Kathie Tovo. The focus of the mayoral race includes issues like housing reform, police department vacancies, and homelessness. Additionally, Travis County will vote for county attorney, district attorney, sheriff, and other key positions.
During the primary election, Texas Republicans had some items on their ballots that Democrats did not, however, they are not voting in any new laws. State law allows each major political party to pose non-binding ballot propositions to primary voters every two years, mainly to help political leaders gauge popular support for those measures. Additionally, marijuana law reform activists in Bastrop, Dallas, and Lockhart collected signatures to place depenalization initiatives on the 2024 ballot. If approved, these measures will prohibit local law enforcement from making low-level marijuana-related arrests. This follows a trend where several Texas cities have approved similar measures.
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