Fractured Democrats Shutout In Runoff Election For Texas House Seat

Democrats have been shut out of a U.S. House election in Texas after failing to place in the top two of a jungle primary. The runoff election will now be between two Republican candidates. The House seat representing Fort Worth, Texas and the surrounding area was formerly represented by Rep. Ron Wright, who died from COVID-19 in February.

The yet-unscheduled second round election will be between Susan Wright, widow of the former Congressman, and Jake Ellzey. The closest Democrat was Jana Lynne Sanchez, who conceded early Sunday morning.

“Democrats have come a long way toward competing in Texas but we still have a way to go,” Sanchez wrote in her concession statement. “Unfortunately, tonight we came up short, and two Republicans will be competing to represent this congressional district.”

Wright earned the highest plurality with 19.2% of the vote while Ellzey earned 13.8%. Sanchez was close behind with 13.4%, but was unable to make the cut for the run off election. Alongside Sanchez there were several more Democrats who entered the race, likely contributing to the shutout. Democrats Shawn Lassiter, Lydia Bean and Tammy Allison who collectively earned another 15% of the vote.

“Nothing could be a worse omen for the Democratic Party than to have a winnable district like this with two Republicans in the runoff,” Sanchez said in an interview a month before the race. “That would be very embarrassing and very disheartening.”