Filing deadline passes for Texas primary candidates, and no – Beto O’Rourke isn’t running for senate
EL PASO, Texas --- Monday was the filing deadline for the March 2 "Super Tuesday" primary in Texas.
Former El Paso Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who dropped out of the presidential race on Nov. 1, did not file for the Democratic primary for either president or for the U.S. Senate.
Since ending his White House bid, O'Rourke had reportedly been getting pressure to jump into the Senate race and challenge Republican incumbent John Cornyn.
O'Rourke had told ABC-7 last Friday he had no intention of running against Cornyn.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and state Senate candidate Cesar Blanco don't have any opponents in the Democratic primary, but will face Republican challengers next November in the general election.
State Representatives Mary Gonzalez, Lina Ortega and Art Fierro get to keep their jobs for two more years. They don't have any challengers in the Democratic primary nor do they have any Republican opponents.
Six out of nine District Court judges have been re-elected by having no opponents. County Commissioner Carlos Leon is re-elected under the same scenario.
There will be some hotly contested races to keep your eyes on.
El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles is being challenged by Canutillo ISD Police Chief Carlos Carrillo, former El Paso Municipal Police Officers Association President Ron Martin and retired police officer Raul Mendiola.
Longtime District Attorney Jaime Esparza is retiring. Four Democrats are running to replace him -- attorney Karen Dykes, current homicide prosecutor James Montoya, former felony prosecutor Roger Montoya and attorney Yvonne Rosales.
In County Commission Precinct 3, incumbent Vince Perez is being challenged by attorney Elia Garcia, attorney Iliana Holguin who is also the county's Democratic chairwoman and student Eduardo Romero.
In House District 76, El Paso City Represenative Claudia Ordaz Perez is facing off against Elisa Tamayo, the office manager for Cesar Blanco. They are vying to replace Blanco in the House. Blanco is now running for the state Senate to succeed Jose Rodriguez, who is retiring.
