HOUSTON – Since 2005, Texas' Second Congressional District has gone solidly Republican, represented by longtime Rep. Ted Poe.
But with Poe retiring, 14 candidates, five Democrats and nine Republicans were vying for the seat.
And this time, Democrats believe they can win it.
Todd Litton appears to be the Democratic selection. He’s a nonprofit educational director who says the 2nd District, which sprawls north and west of the city, is now more diverse than ever before.
“It’s a very winnable district,” Litton said.
Areas in the district such as Addicks, Kingwood, Spring and the Cypress Creek and Braes Bayou watersheds were hard hit by Hurricane Harvey. Litton said flood control will be the big issue in the general election.
“All of those areas were touched significantly. People are ready for a solution, not just a fed solution, but bringing together state, county and federal government, and that’s what we’re going to be doing in Washington,” Litton said.
Republicans still have an advantage in numbers in the district, and three candidates lead the pack. On that side, state Rep. Kevin Roberts is the only candidate with legislative experience, but it appears a runoff will take place to decide who represents the GOP.
“I’m the only proven candidate. I’m the only one who has served in the Legislature and really has a proven record of success,” Roberts said. “Instead of just campaign messaging, folks can go look see what I’ve accomplished.”
Harvard grad Daniel Crenshaw touts his experience overseas, where he served five tours and was wounded as a Navy Seal.
“I’m the only one running with real national security experience, real experience in defense policy, real experience in foreign affairs,” Crenshaw said.
And grass-roots activist Kathaleen Wall, who rarely talks to the media, spent about $6 million of her own money to flood the airwaves with campaign spots to try to reach roughly 50,000 Republican primary voters who will choose the party's contender in the race.
Wall and Roberts appear to be headed to a runoff.