Ballots for the Nov. 5 election became a little more clear after an Aug. 19 deadline passed for candidates to file to run for local, state and congressional seats.
What readers should know
Republican and Democratic candidates in most races were determined during March primary elections and May runoffs, and candidates from other parties have now thrown their hats in the ring. Aug. 19 was also the deadline for cities, school districts and other entities to order special ballot measures, such as tax rate elections or bond referendums.
The latest
As of Aug. 21, the following candidates have filed to run in races that cover parts of the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University areas. Candidates are listed in order of how they appear on the Texas Secretary of State website. Asterisks are used to indicate incumbents. Uncontested races are not listed, and write-in candidates are not included.
This list is not comprehensive. In addition to the races listed here, voters will also decide on Harris County district courts.
Stay tuned for candidate Q&As with candidates running in local races, which will be posted to Community Impact's online Voter Guide throughout September and in October print editions.
U.S. Congress
District 7Lizzie Fletcher*, D
Caroline Cane, R
Texas House of Representatives
When it comes to the Texas House of Representatives, the local area is primary covered by two districts. In District 134, which covers Meyerland, the cities of Bellaire and West University Place, the Rice University area, and the Texas Medical Center, both incumbent Ann Johnson and challenger Audrey Douglas ran unopposed in March primaries.In District 146, which covers Westbury, Willowbend and Braes Oaks, incumbent Shawn Nicole Theirry was defeated in the Democratic primary runoff by Lauren Ashley Simmons. Simmons now faces Lance York, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.
District 134
Audrey Douglas, R
Ann Johnson*, D
District 146
Lauren Ashley Simmons, D
Lance York, D
Texas Senate
The main contested Texas Senate race in the local area is for District 15, where emergency room nurse Molly Cook is facing investor Joseph L. Trahan for the seat held by John Whitmire before he stepped down to run for Houston mayor.Cook won the Democratic nomination in a narrow race in May over Texas Rep. Jarvis Johnson, and she also won a special election earlier that month to finish out Whitmire's term, making her the incumbent in the race.
Trahan ran unopposed in the Republican primary race in March.
District 15
Molly Cook*, D
Joseph L. Trahan, R
Harris County
Some county races covering the Bellaire-Meyerland-West University area are uncontested, including the race for Precinct 1 constable, where Democratic incumbent Alan Rosen is running unopposed.In the race for sheriff, Democratic incumbent Ed Gonzalez is running against Republican challenger Mike Knox, who recently served on the Houston City Council.
Criminal Court at Law No. 16
Linda Garcia, R
Ashley Mays Guice, D
Probate Court No. 5
Ray Black Jr., R
Fransheneka "Fran" Watson, D
County Attorney
Christian D. Menefee*, D
Jacqueline Lucci Smith, R
District Attorney
Sean Teare, D
Dan Simons, R
Sheriff
Ed Gonzalez*, D
Mike Knox, R
County Tax Assessor-Collector
Steve Radack, R
Annette Ramirez, D
Harris County Department of Education, At-Large Place 3
Richard Cantu*, D
Danielle Dick, R
Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1
Rodney Ellis*, D
Gerry Vander-Lyn, R
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1
Israel Garcia*, D
James Lombardino, R
Harris County Constable, Precinct 5
Terry Allbritton, R
Jerome Moore, D
One more thing
Several propositions will also be on Nov. 5 ballots, including for voters who reside within Harris County and within the boundaries of Houston ISD.
- Harris County commissioners voted unanimously to place a tax rate election on the ballot that would raise property taxes to support the Harris County Flood Control District.
- Voters in Houston ISD will have two propositions to decide on, including one to address aging infrastructure and one to fund technology upgrades.
- Residents in the city of Bellaire will have the chance to vote on propositions to fund storm water, water and waste water projects.
