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    Legislative Services

    County Issues Newsletter | May 2022

    News Article | May 27, 2022

    Most State Incumbents Win Runoff Races

    County News | Legislative News
    Legislative Services

    In March, officeholders with intraparty challengers met their would-be replacements in Republican and Democratic primary elections. Primary races that saw no candidate secure a majority of votes advanced to runoff elections. On Tuesday, voters largely supported incumbents' bids to return to office.

    At the top of the ticket, embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton fended off outgoing Land Commissioner George P. Bush, securing about two-thirds of the votes cast. Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian dispatched oil and gas attorney Sarah Stogner of Monahans by the same approximate 2-to-1 margin.

    No state senators needed runoff elections to earn a place on the November general election ballot. Four incumbent state representatives were pushed to a runoff. Three emerged victorious:

    • Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) defeated party activist David Lowe of North Richland Hills, securing 54% of the votes cast.
    • Rep. Glenn Rogers (R-Graford) defeated conservative activist Mike Olcott of Parker County, securing 52% of the votes cast.
    • Rep. Kyle Kacal (R-College Station) defeated business owner Ben Bius of Huntsville, securing 58% of the votes cast.

    Rep. Phil Stephenson (R-Wharton) lost his reelection bid to former Waller County Commissioner Stan Kitzman, who secured 58% of votes cast, besting Stephenson's 42%.

    With these and the many runoff contests not involving incumbents decided, the ballot for November's general election is now set. Complete results are available on the Secretary of State's website.

    Early voting for the Nov. 8 general election begins Oct. 24 and closes Nov. 4.

    For more information about this article, please contact Pete Winckler.