Deadline to file for TX primaries closes, some EP Democrats will run unchallenged
The deadline to file to run in the Texas primaries closed tonight and a few El Paso Democrats are closer to reelection because they have no opponents in their party’s primary and no opponent in the Republican Party.
They are State Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D – Dist. 29); State Rep. Cesar Blanco (D – Dist. 76); State Rep. Joe Pickett (D – Dist. 79); County Commissioner Carlos Leon (D – Pct. 1); and County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal.
Perhaps the most interesting matchup in the county’s Democratic primary is the race for District 75 State Representative, which includes portions of Far East El Paso County and the Lower Valley.
Chente Quintanilla wants his old job back. He is challenging incumbent State Rep. Mary Gonzalez.
Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D – TX District 16) faces Ben Mendoza, who ran against him in the 2012 primary and lost.
Sheriff Richard Wiles (D – El Paso) will face political newcomer Tom Buchino, a Republican, in the general election. Buchino retired from the Special Forces as a Sergeant Major and now owns a tactical training ranch.
County Commissioner Vince Perez faces Tony Quintanilla in the Democratic Primary.
District Attorney Jaime Esparza has two Democratic Primary opponents. They are attorney Yvonne Rosales and Leonard “Lenny” Morales, a veteran and attorney.
State Rep. Joe Moody (D – Dist. 78) will face Republican Jeffrey Lane in the general election.
Moody represents one of the most competitive districts in El Paso, which has been represented by both Democrats and Republicans in the past.
LINK: EL PASO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
http://www.elpasodemocrats.com/
LINK: EL PASO COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
