In Texas, Candidates Are Gearing Up For Debates In Statewide Races

This week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.

By Rhonda FanningMay 4, 2018 4:55 pm, , ,

It’s time for the week that was in Texas politics with Emily Ramshaw, editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune.

Ahead of the May 22 primary runoff election, the two Democrats vying for the party’s gubernatorial nomination have scheduled a debate on May 11.

“It comes after a couple of complicated weeks for these two candidates,” Ramshaw says. “Andrew White has faced some trouble. He said he will divest from a border security company that he owns.”

Lupe Valdez also had a shaky week after a town hall appearance put the spotlight on her record on immigration issues.

“It prompted [Latino political group JOLT] to endorse Andrew White,” Ramshaw says. “Meanwhile, Lupe Valdez had to make a statement saying she fell short in her answer.”

In the U.S. Senate race between Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. Beto O’Rourke, this week O’Rourke challenged Cruz to a series of six debates – including two in Spanish.

“This is just yet again these guys playing back and forth on each other over who has more street cred among the Latino population,” Ramshaw says.

In more Texas news this week, Attorney General Ken Paxton led a seven-state coalition that filed a lawsuit to end DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.