CEDAR CREEK LAKE—Registered voters from around the Cedar Creek Lake area are faced with big decisions leading up to the March 3 primary election, all the way up to United States senator. Early voting starts Tuesday, Feb. 17 and continues through Friday, Feb. 27 (see The Monitor’s Voters Guide).
With current U.S. Sen. John Cornyn fighting multiple opponents (and state offices such as governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general and the replacement for the retiring state Sen. Robert Nichols – for example – having many hats in the ring from both sides of the aisle), a state election with a direct local impact is for 173rd State District Court judge. There, incumbent and former Henderson County Attorney Clint Davis (who was appointed to the judgeship by Gov. Greg Abbott) is opposed in the Republican Party primary by Athens lawyer James Owen. There is no Democrat running for that office.
Another state election with a local impact is for Sen. Nichols’ seat. In the Republican Party primary, Rhonda Ward and Trent Ashby are vying for the GOP nomination, while Bobby Tillman has filed as a Democrat in State Senate District 3.
Besides the federal and state elections (State Rep. Keith Bell is running unopposed), another big choice before voters is for Henderson County Judge, a position which is being vacated by Wade McKinney, who decided not to run for re-election after nearly a quarter-century of public service. Looking to fill that powerful seat in the Republican Party primary are Wade Carter and Mark Smith. There also is no Democrat running for Henderson County Judge.
Speaking of Henderson County Attorney, that unexpired term looks to be filled by Athens lawyer Christopher Tinsley, Athens lawyer Paul Guillote and current Assistant County Attorney Kenneth Strawn. Again, there are no Democrats running for that spot, meaning whoever wins this race essentially ascends to office.
For Henderson County Precinct 2 commissioner (covering the area ranging from Eustace, the Henderson County part of Mabank and through Gun Barrel City), current Commissioner Scott Tuley is opposed in the Republican Party primary by Eddie Morse and Eron Hoops. For the Democratic Party, Benjamin Beene looks to fill that seat at the county courthouse annex.
Also for Henderson County Precinct 2, its justice of the peace (whose area ranges from the Trinity River eastward to past Eustace), incumbent Jamie Fawns, has primary opposition by Republicans James D. “J.D.” Jennings and the person who formerly held the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace position, Dale Blaylock.
In addition, Republican Party voters will make their choice among 13 propositions, while Democrats have a yes or no vote for 10 propositions.