MJ Hegar, Royce West head to runoff in Democratic primary to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

[TexasTowelie]

by Patrick Svitek, Texas Tribune


MJ Hegar and Royce West are advancing to a runoff for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Hegar, the former Air Force helicopter pilot backed by national Democrats, clearly established herself as the leading vote recipient Tuesday night in the 12-way primary. However, it was not clear until Wednesday afternoon that West, the Dallas state senator, was the runner-up. With almost all polling locations reporting, Hegar had 22% of the vote and West 14.5%.

"I believe we are well-positioned to win the runoff," West said in a statement thanking his competitors for their ideas and effort. "The runoff is a brand new day."

West was closely followed in the results by progressive organizer Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, who got 13.2% and conceded late Wednesday afternoon.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2020/03/03/mj-hegar-royce-west-take-early-lead-democratic-primary-senate-race/

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1. An embarrassment of riches

Royce West has by far the most legislative experience, and an African-American at the top of the Texas ticket may better position our appeal to the base up and down ballot to GOTV. On the other hand, I love MJ's backstory, energy, and her potential appeal to suburban women who often vote R. This is a really tough call. I'd be thrilled to support either of these wonderful candidates, but the real question is: Who is better positioned against Cornyn? He isn't as despised as Cruz was against Beto. Does anyone have insights on this runoff?