Republican primary voters favor local incumbents

Voters in the Republican primary reelected incumbents over their challengers for Fifth District Court Judge, Texas State Representative of District 9, and Cass County Commissioner of Precinct 1, on Tuesday ahead of the general election in November in which they will not face opposition by Democrats.

Perhaps the most publicized contest in Cass County was for Texas’ Fifth Judicial District which includes Bowie County. Judge Bill Miller of Texarkana won against challenger and personal-injury attorney, Monty Murry, also of Texarkana.

In Cass County, Miller received 3,589 to Murry’s 730 votes. The cumulative count in both Bowie and Cass counties, though unofficial, has Miller receiving 12,331 votes to Murry’s 4,468.

Miller said in response to the outcome, “I’m extremely grateful that the voters of Cass and Bowie counties showed their overwhelming support for me continuing my service as Judge of the 5th Judicial District of Texas (Cass county returned 83% in favor of allowing me to continue to serve as judge!). I’m humbled by our citizens’ votes of support and look forward to continuing my role as Judge with a clear sense of the voters’ approval of my job performance since 2015.”

“I want to thank my wife, Jessica, for her patience, understanding, and unwavering love and support throughout this process. An election is tough and a lot of work, but I’m very thankful to have a supportive network in the rest of my family, as well as friends, and will continue to work to make the 5th Judicial District Court a court where the Constitution and law come first and everyone gets a fair opportunity to present their case.”

On Wednesday, Murry addressed his supporters.

“I would like to thank everyone for the love and support you have shown us throughout this campaign. As I was telling someone earlier this morning, it’s the people in our lives that are the most important and that make us truly rich. My life is richer today because • of all of the wonderful friends I made throughout this journey. I have come to learn that God always has a reason. No regrets, my friends.”

In the race for Texas State Representative in District 9, Chris Paddie of Marshall won reelection against challenger Mark Williams of Carthage. The district encompasses Panola, Harrison, Marion, Cass, Sabine, and Shelby Counties.

In Cass County, Paddie received 3,487 votes to Williams’ 842 votes. Across the district, Paddie won reelection with 78% to Williams’ 21%, unofficially.

Paddie said of his victory, “It’s an honor and privilege to be the voice of our rural East Texas communities in Austin. I love serving this district and I’m looking forward to another 2 years of keeping conservative values and priorities at the forefront.”

Williams referred to his post on Facebook when asked for comment wherein he thanked his supporters and added, “Even though the outcome fell way short, we have to continue to fight these Fake Republicans who are not serving their districts, only their careers. In a way, they are worse than Democrats. I started this Campaign very late as you know with no organization and a few very dedicated citizens. I felt a desperate need to try and do something. Without these Citizens I would never have entered this race. It has been a very long 3 months for me and I am Mentally drained. However, I will be working with others to find a way to educate the public about what the SWAMP South is doing to us. We have had enough of a show with a small amount of time and limited resources to continue the battle on.”

Williams told the Atlanta Citizens Journal not to count him out next year as he will likely begin another campaign to challenge Paddie for District 9 in 2022.

For Cass County Commissioner Precinct 1, Brett Fitts, who has served for 11 years wins another term. His challenger, Taylor Duncan, had served as commissioner of the precinct beginning in 1989 until 2001.

In response to his win, Fitts said, “Thank you to everyone that came out to vote in the 2020 Primary Election and a special thank you to those who supported me for Commissioner of Precinct 1. Without your help and support for commissioner, this wouldn’t be possible. I look forward to the opportunity of working with the citizens of Precinct 1 and Cass County.”

Duncan responded, “I appreciate everyone who voted for me. I support Fitts and wish him the best of luck.”

Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe, Tax Assessor-Collector Angela Young, and Commissioner Paul Cothren of Precinct 3 ran unopposed in the primary and face no opposition in November.

Justice Ralph K. Burgess, 6th Court of Appeals ran unopposed in the primary and faces no opposition in the general election. The court serves several counties including Bowie, Cass, Morris, Marion, and Red River.

While there were no Democratic contenders in these contests, several judgeships, as well as state and U.S. representative and senate seats, are being sought by Democrats.

John Ratcliffe, U.S. Representative of Texas District 4 won over Mark Yancey in the primary but will be contested by Democrat Russell Foster of Sherman, in November. The Congressional district serves Northeast Texas and encompasses several counties including Bowie, Cass, Marion, Morris, Red River, and Titus.

With Ratcliffe having been nominated for a second time by President Trump for Director of National Intelligence, it is unclear as to who will replace him on the ballot or the process of such a replacement. It could be weeks before Ratcliffe’s confirmation process moves forward in the Senate, and there appear to be no signs of opposition from Senate Republicans.

When asked about the implications of Ratcliffe’s confirmation before the general election, Mayor Travis Ransom of Atlanta said, “I’m following the process closely because I care deeply about the future of our little corner of Texas and want to make sure we have the best representation in DC.”

When prompted to comment on the outcome of Tuesday’s primaries, Ransom expressed his gratitude for the voting process and the people who make it possible.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the poll workers. They put in long hours for little pay. Without them volunteering to work, we could not have an election. They are often overlooked but are deserving of much appreciation and recognition.”

Conventions at the county level will be held by Democrats and Republicans in Linden on Saturday, March 21st.

The Cass County Democratic Convention, Senate District 1 will take place on the second floor of the Old Courthouse, 100 E. Houston Street from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. The Cass County Republican Conventions will be held at the Cass County Law Enforcement Training Center at 1031 County Road 1913. The precinct convention will begin at 10 a.m. and the county convention will begin at 11 a.m.

For more information about these events and the state and national conventions, contact Chris Mack for the Democratic Party at 903-601-2000 and Eileen Collins for the Republican Party at 903-824-7769.