Part VII continues right where Part VI left off. I’ll note competitive general election races with a (!), races in which the party’s preferred or expected candidate won with an (X), and incumbents with an asterisk. I’ll skip over executive offices other than governor and may have to upload this piece in several installments. With so much to look at, I’ll keep the analysis to a minimum and leave out safe House races in large states. Only nominees will be noted as mentioning competitors takes up way too much space.
Part VII: June 30th, July, and August 2nd
Texas (House special, June 30th): Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX-27) resigned his seat in April after he was immersed in a sexual harassment scandal. He was accused of using government funds to settle complaints and creating uncomfortable situations for female staffers.
Results: Michael Cloud (R) 55%, Eric Holguin (D) 32%, others 13%.
Alabama (Runoffs, July 17th): Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL-2) was first elected in 2010 by beating Democratic freshman Bobby Bright. However, she was only elected with a plurality of the vote after opposing President Trump in the 2016 and Bright switched parties to primary her.
Results: Martha Roby* (R) 68%, Bobby Bright (R) 32%.
Georgia (Runoffs, July 24th): Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle (R-GA) was recorded essentially admitting that candidates have to say the craziest things to win primaries, and state secretary of state Brian Kemp received a presidential endorsement, so the winds were against the establishment in this race.
Results: Gov (R): Brian Kemp 69%, Casey Cagle 30%. GA-6 (D): Lucy McBath. GA-7 (D): Carolyn Bourdeaux.
Tennessee (Gov, Sen, House, August 2nd): Tennessee has not been won by a Democratic presidential candidate since Bill Clinton in 1996, but the governor’s seat has alternated between Democrats and Republicans since 1971. Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) was first elected in a close contest in 2006, but now that he’s retiring after two terms, his seat is up for grabs. Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN) is the Democrats’ strongest possible candidate for Senate.
Results: Gov: Bill Lee (R) and Karl Dean (D/X). Sen (!): Phil Bredesen (D/X) and Marsha Blackburn (R/X). House: 4 incumbent Republicans and 2 incumbent Democrats easily won renomination. Democratic challengers in Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 were easily nominated. TN-2: Tim Burchett (R) and Renee Hoyos (D). TN-4 (D): Mariah Phillips. TN-7: Mark Green (R/X) and Justin Kanew (D). TN-8 (D): Erika Pearson (D).