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Election season is just around the corner, and it’s likely you’ve heard about the big races, including the one for our next US president. But what about races that are local to Texas—and even DFW? There are actually tons of offices and positions on the ballot this November, and it may be surprising to hear just how much they’ll impact Texans’ everyday lives. Check out this handy breakdown on the most crucial races to pay attention to this fall, and why they matter.
US Senator
If you’ve lived in Texas for a while, the name Ted Cruz is probably familiar to you. He’s served in the US Senate on Texas’ behalf (alongside Sen. John Cornyn) since 2012. But his position is up for grabs in November, and he’ll be facing Democratic nominee Rep. Colin Allred for the spot.
Every state sends two people to represent it in the US Senate; these lawmakers are supposed to represent the best interests of their constituents by introducing and helping to shape federal laws that impact everything from healthcare to education and public safety. Senators advocate for their state’s needs, which includes federal funding and other resources, and they make sure their state is considered in national legislation. The work they do directly affects your everyday life.
Railroad Commissioner
Don’t be fooled by the name—this person doesn’t control the trains, but rather oversees the oil and gas industry in Texas. They regulate energy production and safety, and also maintain and create environmental protections. Given Texas’ significant role in the national energy sector, the Railroad Commission’s decisions can affect energy prices, job markets, and environmental policies — for better or worse.
Texas always has three commissioners. Christi Craddick is hoping to keep her seat on the Railroad Commission, but she has several others gunning for her spot. The November race will be between Craddick, Democrat Katherine Culbert, Libertarian Lynn Dunlap, and Green Party member Eddie Espinoza. Whoever wins will help shape Texas’ energy sector and environmental policies for years to come, as the role has a six-year term.
Texas Supreme Court Justices
There are three races for Texas Supreme Court happening in November, and whoever wins will help shape how the state handles civil cases at the highest level. Why are these races so important? The justices will influence major legal decisions that impact everything from property rights to civil liberties. Whether you ever find yourself in court or not, these positions are responsible for interpreting the Texas Constitution and thus what rights you have. Past rulings from the high court have impacted abortion access, LGTBQ+ rights, and how Texas handles people crossing the border.
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Judges
A similar race will be held for judges in the highest criminal cases court in Texas: the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Their decisions impact things like law enforcement and how criminal cases are solved, so it’s crucial that voters choose people who will work honestly and with soundjudgment. In the March 2024 primaries, three Republican challengers beat the incumbent judges, so the November race will be full of fresh faces.
Republican Gina Parker will take on Democrat Nancy Mulder in Amarillo, and Democrat Chika Anyiam challenges Republican Lee Finley for the Panhandle.
State Legislature
In November, all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives and all 31 seats in the Texas State Senate will be up for re-election. These members of the Legislature influence everything from education to taxes, making their decisions extremely important for everyday Texans.
They propose thousands of bills during a legislative session, such as HB 6, which passed in 2023 and allows for the administration of murder charges if someone is suspected of fentanyl poisoning, or the failed HB 2744, which would have raised the age requirement for purchasing certain semiautomatic weapons.
Board of Education
Public education (especially in more conservative states like Texas) has become extremely politicized, so the State Board of Education election could get tense this fall. Seven of the 15 seats are open, and members influence things like curriculum, books, and how the education budget is spent. These races will be extremely important for those with children and even those without, since the elected members will shape how Texans learn for the next several years.
District 11, Tarrant County and District 15, Northwest Texas (Lubbock, Abilene) will choose one of three candidates during the November election. Republican Pam Little is up against Democrat George King for parts of Collin, Dallas and Denton counties, among others.
Sheriff
County sheriffs are responsible for running the jail and enforcing laws. They determine how the police respond to crime and make sure the jail operates humanely and efficiently. The Sheriff also helps shape policies on crime prevention, which play a big part in how law enforcement interacts with the public.
In Fort Worth, Republican Bill Waybourn and Democrat Patrick Moses will go head to head in November. This position has been held by a Republican for two decades.
County Commission
The County Commissioners Court is the main decision-making entity for the county, determining things like budgets and policies. Each commissioner represents a specific area and makes calls on issues like infrastructure and local services.
In November, several Tarrant County precincts are up for reelection, including Precincts 1, 3, and 4.
Judicial Offices
There are several judicial positions up for election in 2024, including seats in the Dallas County District Courts and Family District Courts. These judges handle a variety of cases, from criminal to family trials, so they have a direct impact on the community. The outcome of these elections will determine how the law is applied in DFW, so the fairness and experience of the candidates are extremely important.
DFW residents have plenty to pay attention to when it comes to the 2024 elections, including several offices at the local level. Eligible voters have a real chance to shape government at all levels, so it’s essential to show up to the polls in November informed. Every vote matters, so make yours count!
