Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Ayan Mittra, editor of the Texas Tribune.
A campaign finance report released this week shows Gov. Greg Abbott raised $9 million for his reelection campaign. He has $43 million in cash. Abbott’s bank account notwithstanding, nine Democrats are running in the primary, hoping for the chance to challenge the governor.
Among those candidates is former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who held a formal campaign kickoff last weekend, reminding voters of issues like the so-called “sanctuary cities” law, which she opposes.
“She’s not a seasoned politician, but she’s definitely gearing up now, Mittra says.
Andrew White, who’s also running on the Democratic side, told the Tribune this week that he opposes the death penalty, saying it does not deter crime.
Gov. Abbott is endorsing another challenger to an incumbent GOP lawmaker. In the race for the Galveston seat held by Wayne Faircloth, Abbott endorsed challenger Mayse Middleton, who is a former board member of conservative think tank the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
