Damien Jones, one of two Republicans seeking the seat, has suspended his campaign for HD147 (Safe D). In a statement posted to social media, Jones described the “toll” that depression and PTSD has taken on himself and family.

“I have to prioritize the necessary work to become a healthier person,” he said. “I pray this honest admission helps anyone battling mental health issues realize that you are not a machine and should seek professional health.”

‍Campaign Finance Reports: January semiannual reports are due tomorrow (Tuesday) for all state officeholders and candidates. These reports cover the period beginning the earlier of July 1 or the date the campaign committee was formed and run through December 31. We expect at least the reported totals will become available beginning Wednesday. We will update our Crib Sheets throughout the day and provide analyses of key reports as the contribution-level details become available.‍

GOV (Likely R): The Don Huffines (R) campaign released a new ad, “I Am Don Huffines,” highlighting several conservative positions and endorsements.

Huffines announced he has raised more than $12M “thus far,” which presumably includes the $4.1M he reported raising in the first half of 2021. The Huffines campaign press release did not provide any further details, such as how much of his contribution total is self- or family-funded or whether the total includes loan proceeds. Roughly half of his total contributions came from family members during the first half of the year, which excludes $5M in loans.

The special sessions provided a window into some of his fundraising. Huffines disclosed $1.45M in contributions in three campaign finance reports covering the periods around the three special legislative sessions. A little over $100K of those contributions were from Huffines family members. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) raised $9.5M during the periods covered by these reports.

‍RRC (Likely R): U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Austin) endorsed Comm. Wayne Christian (R).

‍SD12 open (Likely R): Texas Right to Life PAC endorsed Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound).

‍HD31 open (Safe R): U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Austin) endorsed Kevin Sparks (R).

‍HD68 (Safe R): U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (R-Austin) endorsed Rep. David Spiller (R-Jacksboro).

‍TREPAC Endorsements: The Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC released its primary endorsements (PDF) for statewide and legislative offices. In addition to nearly four dozen incumbents, the group endorsed candidates in several open-seat races including:

• Kevin Sparks (R) in open SD31 (Safe R)
• Angelia Orr (R) in open HD13 (Safe R)
• Richard Hayes (R) in open HD57 (Likely R)
• Barron Casteel (R) in open HD73 (Safe R), and
• Laura Hill (R) in open HD93 (Likely R).

These are in addition to several previously announced open-seat endorsements, including Ellen Troxclair (R) in open HD19 (Safe R) and Jamee Jolly (R) in open HD70 (Toss Up). Additional endorsements may be announced closer to the primary election.

‍Texas AFT Endorsements: The Texas Assoc. of Federated Teachers released its first round of endorsements for the 2022 primary election. Notably, the union endorsed:

• D. Delgado (D) over Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) in HD42 (Safe D)
• Candis Houston (D) over Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) in HD142 (Safe D)
• Justin Berry (R) in open HD19 (Safe R)
• State Board of Education member Ruben Cortez (D) in open HD37 (Lean D)
• Erin Gamez (D) in open HD38 (Safe D), and
• Barron Casteel (R) in open HD73 (Safe R).

Additional endorsements may be announced closer to the primary election.

‍CD3 (Likely R): Eagle Forum PAC endorsed former Collin County Judge Keith Self (R) over U.S. Rep. Van Taylor (R-Plano).

‍CD35 open (Safe D): SEIU and Workers United endorsed Austin council member Greg Casar (D).

‍CD38 open (Safe R): U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R) headlined a rally for Wesley Hunt (R) in Hockley tonight (Friday).

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