What we reported After 17 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Houston, announced he would not seek re-election in 2018. Among the candidates to throw their hats in the ring for Poe’s seat is state Rep. Kevin Roberts, R-Houston, who was elected to Texas House District 126 in 2016. Roberts will face eight fellow Republicans and five Democrats in a March 6 primary.

Several candidates have also filed for the seat Roberts is vacating, including Sam Harless, the husband of former state representative for District 126, Patricia Harless, and Gail Stanart, wife of Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart. Harless, Stanart and Kevin Fulton will square off in the Republican primary, while Undrai F. Fizer will face Natalie Hutardo in the Democratic primary for District 126. Look for Q&As with each of the five candidates in the February edition of Community Impact Newspaper.

The latest In the U.S. House of Representatives, eight opponents will challenge District 10 incumbent Michael McCaul, R-Tomball. In the Texas Senate, District 7 state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, is up for re-election. In the Texas House of Representatives, District 130 Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress; District 132 Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy; District 135 Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston; and District 138 Rep. Dwayne Bohac, R-Houston, are up for re-election. Bettencourt, Schofield, Oliverson, Elkins and Bohac—all Republicans—do not face challengers in the primary elections, but will face Democratic opponents in the general election.

What’s next Primary elections take place March 6, with early voting running from Feb. 20-March 2. The deadline to register to vote in this election is Feb. 5. Election Day will be Nov. 6. For more information on voting, visit www.harrisvotes.com.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of Top 10 stories to follow in 2018 here.