It's 'Anyone's Guess' Who Will End Up In The Runoff Expected For Texas' 6th Congressional District [View all]
An election to replace late Republican Congressman Ron Wright in Texas 6th District is likely headed for a runoff. Twenty-three candidates are vying for Wrights seat, including Wrights wife, Susan Wright.
Jim Riddlesperger, political science professor at Texas Christian University, says its "anyones guess" who will end up in a runoff. Texas election law requires a runoff if a candidate doesnt receive at least 50% of the votes. And a runoff will feature the top two vote-getters.
The historically conservative district thats south and southeast of Dallas has some potential to flip to a Democrat, Riddlesperger says. Texas has become more competitive over the last 10 years, and Democrats tried to capitalize on that in 2020 by attempting to flip the seat Wright eventually won. A flip could be possible if more Democrats turn out (turnout is usually low during special and runoff elections.) Still, Riddlesperger says a Republican is more likely to prevail.
Susan Wright is one strong contender. Former President Donald Tump endorsed her on Monday. But Riddlesperger says shes one among several Trumpy candidates. Others in the race worked in the former presidents administration.
Read more: https://www.kut.org/politics/2021-04-27/its-anyones-guess-who-will-end-up-in-the-runoff-expected-for-texas-6th-congressional-district