More Democrats announce campaigns for statewide office

Two more Democrats have announced runs for other statewide offices, joining state Sen. Wendy Davis and Houston businessman Mike Collier in their respective quests for governor and state comptroller.

Houston attorney Sam Houston will run for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Others contemplating an A.G. run are current state Senators Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, and Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso.

Houston received the most votes of any Democrat on the ballot in 2008, 3.5 million or about 46% of the vote, when he ran for Texas Supreme Court.

Musician, humorist and author Kinky Friedman said he will run for Texas agriculture commissioner.

Friedman last ran for agriculture commissioner in 2010 but lost in the Democratic primary to rancher Hank Gilbert.

Friedman previously ran for governor as an independent in 2006 and came in fourth with 12 percent of the vote.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, is considering a run for Texas Lt. Governor, but has not made a final decision on the race

Van de Putte, Uresti and Rodriguez can run for higher office without harming their standing as a Texas state senator because their terms continue through 2016.

The ability to raise the necessary funds to mount a serious statewide campaign is a key factor all three must weigh.

So far, no Democrat has announced interest in seeking the U.S. Senate seat held by current Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

The office filing window opens on Nov. 9 and closes on Dec. 9.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.