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Hinojosa, Hurd to be most vulnerable Texans in U.S. House next year

WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Rubén Hinojosa and Republican Will Hurd will head into Congress next year as the most vulnerable lawmakers in the Texas delegation.

It’s common for lawmakers in the 23rd District, which Hurd will represent, to be top targets for the opposing party. Elections for the West Texas seat are known to be competitive, and Hurd’s win marked the fifth time the district elected a new congressmen in 10 years.

Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes (AP Photo/HO, File)

Will Hurd, former CIA operative (Hurd campaign)

In his Democratic-leaning district, Hinojosa won with 54 percent of the vote. In Congress, he’s in his ninth term and chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Hinojosa, a Mercedes Democrat, faced Republican opponent Eddie Zamora, who received 43 percent of the vote. The candidates ran in the 15th District, located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Zamora raised about $107,000, while Hinojosa raised about $438,000, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Hinojosa’s vote margin is his lowest in recent years. The Democrat won 61 percent of the vote in 2012 and 56 percent in 2010.

Zamora also took on Hinojosa in 2010 and 2008.

Hurd, a former CIA operative who knocked off Democratic incumbent Rep. Pete Gallego, won just under 50 percent of the vote to Gallego’s 47.7 percent.

Gallego raised about $2.3 million to Hurd’s $1.1 million for the seat, which runs from San Antonio to El Paso. The congressional district is famously volatile and is by far the most competitive in Texas.

In TX 23, Will Hurd defeats Pete Gallego; other Texans in U.S. House win re-election

Update, 12:58 a.m.: The Gallego campaign has conceded. In a statement, Gallego said he will “embrace the will of the voters in this election” and congratulated Hurd on his win.

“Texans deserve far better than what Congress has been giving them and I intend to provide Will any and all help I possibly can to help him work to correct that problem as he prepares to take office,” Gallego said.

Update, 12:50 a.m.: The Congressional Leadership Fund and the American Action Network — two GOP groups who spent a combined $1.6 million to boost Hurd – said the Republican’s victory sends a strong message to “stop runaway government in Washington.”

“Texans can look forward to Will’s leadership as he supports center-right solutions for creating jobs, protecting Americans from Obamacare, and increasing opportunities for all Americans,” the groups said in a statement.

Update, 12:39 a.m.: In a statement, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden congratulated Hurd on a “hard-earned victory.”

“Will ran a fantastic campaign that focused on the issues Texans care about. Will truly has dedicated his life to helping his country and this is yet another proud chapter,” Walden said. “I’m honored to call him a friend and colleague.”

Update, 12:29 a.m.: Hurd has unseated Gallego, the freshman Democrat from Alpine, according to the Associated Press. The pickup means that the Texas delegation will now have 25 Republicans and 11 Democrats, including three freshmen.

Hurd won 50 percent of the vote to Gallego’s 48 percent, or by a little more than 2,000 votes, with nearly all precincts reporting.

Update, 12:24 a.m.: With 97 percent of precincts reporting, Hurd leads by 2,124 votes.

Update, 12:05 a.m.: Gallego is trailing Hurd by 3,050 votes, with 90 percent of precincts reporting.

Update, 11:33 p.m.: Hurd is clinging to a lead of 3,559 votes, with 85 percent of precincts reporting.

In northeast Texas, Ratcliffe said he’s humbled by the trust voters have placed in him.

“My future job title will be United States Representative, and I take that very seriously,” he said in a statement.  “It means that I work for the people and not the other way around.”

Update, 11:04 p.m.: Hurd is still leading 50 percent to 47 percent, or by 3,361 votes. So far, 84 percent of precincts have been reported and counted.

Update, 10:44 p.m: Hurd’s lead over Gallego has widened to 3,596 votes. He’s up 50 percent to Gallego 47 percent, with 81 percent of precincts reporting.

Update, 10:23 p.m.: It’s become an even closer race. Gallego trails Hurd now by just 535 votes, with 60 percent of precincts reporting.

In another U.S. House race in Texas, Corpus Christi Rep. Blake Farenthold, fresh off his re-election, vowed to continue to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut government spending.

“Tonight’s results show our dedication to meeting the needs of the people of Texas, our message of securing the border, making government accountable to the people, ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and providing conservative leadership resonates with the voters of the 27th Congressional District of Texas.” the Republican said in a statement.

Update, 10:01 p.m.: The race could go down to the wire. Hurd continues to lead Gallego, but his margin his shrinking. Just 832 votes separate the candidates, with 58 percent of precincts reporting.

Update, 9:30 p.m.: With 39 percent of precincts reporting, Hurd is up 51 percent to Gallego’s 46 percent.

Meanwhile, Sam Johnson, R-Plano, who sailed to re-election, called his win a “true blessing.”

“I want to thank everyone for their belief in me and for their vote,” Johnson said in a statement. “It’s humbling and I vow to continue to fight for you.”

Update, 9:05 p.m.: Hurd leads by about 2,200 votes, out of almost 62,600 cast. One-fifth of precincts have been counted.

Update, 8:36 p.m.: Hurd still retains an edge over Gallego, 52 percent to 46 percent, with 10 percent of precincts reporting.

In other House races in Texas, there aren’t any surprises: All incumbents appear headed for re-election.

After winning Tuesday night, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington, said he was “honored” to be re-elected.

“I am hopeful that we will expand our Conservative presence in the House and win a Republican majority in the Senate,” Barton said in a statement. “The American people have spoken and I urge the President to work with us so we can accomplish the things we were elected to do.”

Update, 8:01 p.m.: Hurd leads Gallego 54 percent to 44 percent, with 4 percent of precincts reporting.

The Associated Press has called several other U.S. House races in Texas, all in favor of incumbents.

Democratic Reps. Marc Veasey, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sheila Jackson Lee and Lloyd Doggett all cruised to another term. On the Republican side, Reps.  Blake Farenthold, Michael Burgess, Mike Conaway, Mac Thornberry, Kay Granger, Pete Olson, Pete Sessions, John Culberson, Michael McCaul, Kenny Marchant and Bill Flores were re-elected. Babin’s victory has also been sealed.

Original post:

WASHINGTON —  There are 36 U.S. House elections in Texas today — but only one that’s truly competitive.

In West Texas, Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, is taking on Republican challenger Will Hurd, a former CIA operative. The famously volatile 23rd District, which stretches from San Antonio to El Paso, has elected four congressmen in the past 10 years.

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine (AP Photo)

Republican Will Hurd, a former CIA operative (Hurd campaign)

Gallego and his team are watching returns tonight at Don Pedro, a Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. Hurd and his campaign are at the Eilan Hotel, also in San Antonio.

In two other U.S. House races in the state, newcomers are poised to win: Dr. Brian Babin in suburban Houston and John Ratcliffe in northeast Texas. No other seats are expected to change hands.

Babin, a Republican, is set to replace Rep. Steve Stockman, who gave up his seat in an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate. Ratcliffe, also a Republican, defeated 17-term incumbent Rep. Ralph Hall in a primary runoff in May.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates endorses Will Hurd

In this June 2011 file photo, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates takes questions from the media at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON — Former CIA director and Defense Secretary Robert Gates is backing Republican congressional candidate Will Hurd, Gates’ first endorsement this election cycle.

“Will [has served] our country on the front lines of the War on Terror, he knows the cost of freedom, and you can count on him to take care of our veterans here at home,” Gates said in a statement issued by the Hurd campaign. “[Will] is a man of courage, integrity, and ability, and I enthusiastically support [his] election to the United States Congress.”

Will Hurd, the Republican candidate in the 23rd District. (Hurd campaign)

Hurd, a former CIA operative, is running as a Republican against freshman Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, in a sprawling West Texas district. During his CIA tenure, Hurd collected intelligence in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

On Thursday, Hurd expressed gratitude for Gates’ support. Gates served as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011, under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

“It is a true honor to have the support of such a highly respected National Security expert,” Hurd said in a statement. “I hope to continue fighting to keep our country strong and to protect freedom and democracy, as Secretary Gates has done.”

In West Texas, Gallego holds fundraising lead over Hurd

WASHINGTON — Less than three weeks from Election Day, Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, has $511,000 cash on hand compared to Republican challenger Will Hurd’s $202,000.

Gallego’s total raised for the cycle — nearly $2.3 million — is more than double Hurd’s almost $1.1 million haul. Over July 1 to Sept. 30, Gallego raised roughly $606,000, while Hurd brought in about $421,000.

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, the Democratic nominee in the 23rd Congressional District. (File/San Antonio Express-News)

Will Hurd, the Republican nominee in the 23rd Congressional District. (Hurd campaign)

“We had our most successful fundraising period ever and were able to more than double our opponents’ numbers because people are genuinely excited about Pete’s brand of leadership,” Gallego spokeswoman Anthony Gutierrez said.

The Hurd campaign could not immediately be reached for comment.

Gallego and Hurd, a former CIA operative, are running in Texas’ 23rd District. The race is viewed as Texas’ only competitive congressional election this fall.

In TX 23, Perry lends support to Hurd

WASHINGTON — In West Texas, Republican Will Hurd is getting a boost from one of the state’s best-known politicians: Gov. Rick Perry.

In a TV ad launched today, Perry praises Hurd for his background on veterans issues and nine-year stint in the CIA as an undercover officer.

“He served in the Middle East, stood brave in the face of terrorism. He knows the price of freedom,” Perry asserts. “Will Hurd stands behind the people who serve America, and I know about service to our country.”

Hurd is running against Democratic Rep. Pete Gallego in Texas’ 23rd District, rated as the state’s only truly contested congressional race.

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched the ad, which will run in the San Antonio media market. The spot has about $400,000 behind it, part of the $1.2 million the NRCC has reserved to prop up Hurd this fall.

In the ad, Perry heaps praise on Hurd for his service overseas in fighting terrorism. During his time in the CIA, Hurd collected intelligence in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan — technically not the Middle East.

The Gallego campaign brushed off the ad this morning, accusing Hurd of wanting to cut veterans funding and knocking Perry for his credibility.

“I’m not surprised that the guy who can’t count to three thinks it’s a good idea to cut 16 percent from veterans’ health care benefits,” campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said, referencing Perry’s inability to name the third federal agency he’d eliminate in a GOP debate.

Less than a month from Election Day, the West Texas race has become awash in political advertising.

After debuting a Spanish-language spot in San Antonio last week, the Gallego campaign announced today the ad will also run in El Paso’s media market. The spot touts Gallego’s support of public education and Latinos.

Gallego campaign reports more than $504k cash on hand

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Texas, stands with his family for a ceremonial photo with Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Jan. 3, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/J.Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON — Preliminary fundraising totals from Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, reveal he’s heading into the final stretch of the campaign with $504,201 cash on hand.

Gallego raised $603,421 over July 1 to Sept. 30, campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said. The numbers could change slightly when the campaign files its quarterly report with the Federal Election Commission, due Wednesday.

If the numbers remain the same, Gallego’s campaign will have taken in more than $2.2 million this cycle.

In 2012, when Gallego first ran for the seat, he raised more than $507,000 during this fundraising quarter. That figure was a campaign record at the time.

Gallego is running against Republican Will Hurd, a former CIA operative, in the 23rd District.

Hurd’s latest fundraising numbers aren’t available yet, but he reported about $150,000 cash on hand as of June 30. At that point, he’d raised a little more than $719,000.

Gallego touts his support for border security, Latinos

WASHINGTON — Rep. Pete Gallego’s campaign has launched a pair of ads. One touts his border security credentials and another, narrated in Spanish, his support for public education and Latinos.

The spots, which will be broadcast in the San Antonio media market, are part of the $462,000 the campaign has reserved in airtime leading up to Election Day. More spending is on the way, campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said. They began airing on Monday.

One ad features testimonials from law enforcement officials who call the Alpine Democrat their ally. Gallego faces Will Hurd, a former CIA operative, next month.

“Pete’s as tough as they come,” Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson asserts. The spot criticizes Hurd for supporting cuts to the federal budget that would reduce border security spending.

The issue is a perennial focus in the 23rd District, which covers 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and runs from San Antonio to El Paso.

The sprawling area is considered Texas’ only swing district. A majority of the population is Hispanic.

In the Spanish-language ad, a female narrator asserts that Hispanics are the future of the U.S. and that education is their ticket to the American dream.

The spot charges that Republicans and Hurd want to cut aid to low-income schools and college scholarships.

The Hurd campaign called the ads a “classic career politician move.” Spokeswoman Valerie Chicola said Gallego has voted with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi against a bill that would have helped secure the border.

“The Gallego campaign can’t answer for this vote or his vote against the Keystone Pipeline so they have resorted to attacking Will with negative ads that are both false and deceitful,” Chicola said.

Republican group hits Gallego over health care law

WASHINGTON — A conservative group debuted a TV ad today hammering freshman Rep. Pete Gallego for supporting the health care law and being “too liberal for Texas.”

The Congressional Leadership Fund spot denounces Gallego, an Alpine Democrat, for defending the legislation, which it says has spiked taxes and premiums for Texans — a claim disputed by Democrats.

“A two trillion dollar price tag,” a male narrator says. “Reckless and wrong.”

The ad, CLF’s first in the Gallego race, will run in the San Antonio market. The group is spending $500,000 it, said spokeswoman Emily Davis. CLF and the American Action Network, another conservative group, have committed $1 million to unseat Gallego.

The organizations favor Republican challenger and former CIA operative Will Hurd in the 23rd District, which runs from San Antonio to El Paso.

Gallego has backed the Affordable Care Act before but has supported modifying it, as well. Last November, he sided with Republicans on a bill to let insurers sell policies that failed to meet the health care law’s standards; that passed the House.

Anthony Gutierrez, Gallego’s campaign manager, said the spots reflects more “attack ads and lies” on the Republican side.

“We have now hit $2.5 million spent on airtime for our opponent and literally not a single moment of it has been about his ideas or experience,” Gutierrez said.

The race, rated as Texas’ only competitive congressional election, is expected to attract a torrent of advertising in coming weeks.

On Friday, the National Republican Congressional Committee launched a more than $350,000 ad buy criticizing Gallego for his connection to “radical” environmentalists. Earlier that week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released two ads attacking Hurd over veterans and education issues.

Gallego currently has more than $800,000 cash on hand heading into November, compared to Hurd’s $150,000, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

NRCC attacks Gallego for connection to environmentalists

WASHINGTON — The National Republican Congressional Committee ramped up its attacks Friday on Rep. Pete Gallego, slamming him in a TV ad for siding with “radical” environmentalists and stunting job growth in Texas.

The spot charges that Gallego, a freshman Democrat from Alpine, won his West Texas seat in 2012 by cozying up to groups that are killing new energy projects.

“They’ll strangle our economy, and Pete Gallego will help them do it,” a male narrator says. “They own him.”

The ad, which costs more than $350,000, will run in the San Antonio market, NRCC spokeswoman Katie Prill said. The Republican campaign arm has committed $1.2 million to the race to elect Republican Will Hurd, a former CIA operative.

Hurd and Gallego are running in the 23rd District, which stretches from El Paso to San Antonio. Ad wars in the race have heated up over the last month with Republicans and Democrats both saying the momentum swings in their favor.

On Wednesday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched two ads hitting Hurd over veterans and education issues.

The Gallego campaign ripped the NRCC ad as a “fictional attack,” asserting the congressman enjoys a broad range of outside support, including from the oil and gas industry. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters, two environmental groups, have also endorsed Gallego.

“Pete is supported by all sides because the part of Texas he represents does a far better job than most of striking a balance between economic and environmental concern,” campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said.

Spending in the race from the NRCC and DCCC is already poised to top $2.4 million this cycle. Outside groups poured more than $6.3 million into the district in 2012, when Gallego unseated Republican Francisco “Quico” Canseco.

Canseco lost to Hurd in a primary runoff election earlier this year.

DCCC hits Will Hurd over education, veterans issues in new ads

WASHINGTON — The Democratic Congressional Committee launched a pair of ads Wednesday blasting Republican Will Hurd over veterans and education issues.

The 30-second spots feature a veteran and teacher who knock Hurd, a former CIA operative, for being out of touch with Texas values. The ads, set to run in San Antonio, criticize a budget plan the DCCC argues will slash veterans benefits and money for education.

The spending aims to prop up freshman Democrat Pete Gallego of Alpine in the state’s only competitive race this cycle. The group has committed $1.2 million to support Gallego in the district, which stretches from El Paso to San Antonio.

In one of the 30-second spots, a retired Army man says Hurd’s plan to give the wealthy tax breaks over helping veterans is “beyond my comprehension.”

“If Will Hurd will not support veterans, we will not support him,” asserts the San Antonio man, who says he lost his hearing after an explosive device hit his vehicle in the Army.

The National Republican Congressional Committee characterized the veterans spot as a “disgusting” attack ad Wednesday.

“How dare Pete Gallego’s Washington attack dogs hit Will Hurd over our military when he spent his career fighting alongside our veterans on the frontlines of the war on terror?” NRCC spokeswoman Katie Prill said.

Last month, the NRCC began running $613,225 worth of television ads in the San Antonio market. The race has already attracted more than $4 million in spending.

In the education ad, a female teacher slams Hurd for favoring cuts to an “already stretched thin education system.”

Also on Wednesday, the Gallego campaign lashed out at Hurd for refusing to participate in a debate organized by Univision, a Spanish-language television station.

Campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said that decision shows Hurd has a “lack of respect for the Latino community” and would rather let outside groups “do all the talking for him via dirty and dishonest attack ads.”

The Hurd campaign disputed those accusations Wednesday. Justin Hollis, campaign manager, said the campaign offered to reschedule the debate after a proposed time didn’t work.

“This is a classic case of a career politician not wanting to debate and perverting the situation to play political tricks,” Hollis said.

Gutierrez said scheduling talks began in July, so a conflict over the timing is “not the least bit plausible.”

In 2012, Gallego took part in a Univision debate against Republican challenger Francisco “Quico” Canseco. Gallego went on to beat Canseco in an election that drew nearly $6.3 million in outside spending.