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Sorting Out the Last Vote & Meeting Your Legislator

This year's runoff election garnered more attention since so many statewide primary races were not decided in March.  Both the Republicans and the Democrats sent their candidates to a runoff for Attorney General. Ultimately Ken Paxton and Rochelle Garza prevailed and will face each other in the general election later this year. The Democrats needed a runoff to elect their party's candidate for Lieutenant Governor and Comptroller. The Republicans had to vote one more time to get their final candidate for Railroad Commissioner.

However, further down the ballot, many districts had runoff elections for other positions, including U.S. House Members and/or candidates for the Texas House of Representatives. Three races TIADA was watching very closely included a Democratic Congressman from Laredo and two State Representatives from Bryan and Mineral Wells, respectively. 

Democrat Henry Cuellar has been a friend of TIADA and NIADA for years. He has always been open to meeting with our dealers when we travel to Washington D.C. so he can learn more about the industry. He also met with our dealers at the Manheim San Antonio Auto Auction to discuss inventory issues and concerns with the CFPB.  At the time of press Congressman Cuellar was in a nailbiter clinging on to a 177-vote lead. Although Cuellar has already declared victory, this race is headed to a mandatory recount.

Two Republican runoff races TIADA is keeping a close eye on include State Representative Kyle Kacal and Dr. Glenn Rogers. Kacal has already been declared the winner in his race, and Rogers should come out as the top vote-getter in his. He carries a little over a 300-vote lead into a recount. Both policymakers are incumbents who share TIADA's philosophy and have championed some of our important issues in the past. TIADA supported both in their tight races through our Political Action Committee, INDEPAC, which dealers like you support.

Shifting to the General Election

Over the next five months, TIADA will shift its focus to the campaigns leading up to the November 8 general election. If you happen to live in one of those rare districts in Texas where the general election is not a foregone conclusion, now is the time to start meeting your candidates. In most cases, there will only be two candidates; it's worth your while to spend a little time getting to know them so you can vote with confidence later this year. In early 2023 TIADA will host a day at the Capitol where we will invite dealers to spend some time with their legislators. It's much better for all of us if you have already started that relationship in the district. If you're not sure how to reach out to your legislator or the candidates in your area, give us a call, and we will be happy to help. If you are unsure who your legislator is, go to the TIADA Legislative Action Center, scroll down to “Find Official,” and enter your address.

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