Congratulations!

Even though most of the focus for the last couple of months has been on the outcome of contested primaries, nearly half of the next Legislature has already been chosen. A large and lucky group of lawmakers didn’t draw opponents in either the primary or the general election. In the House, 70 incumbents — 31 Democrats and 39 Republicans — face no major-party challenges tomorrow or in the fall. In the Senate, six incumbents have no major-party challengers. In statewide races, two judges and the comptroller of public accounts drew no such opposition. And four of the state's 32 U.S. congressman get to sit back and relax as well.

Then there are the incumbents whose work doesn’t start until tomorrow. In 48 other House races, the incumbent went uncontested in the primary but has a general election opponent. Fourteen other U.S. congressmen didn’t draw any opposition within their own parties, as well as four other state senators. Most of the uncontested primaries came on the Democratic side, likely thanks to the Tea Party movement, which — for the moment, at least — has focused its attention to the GOP.

Of course, the Libertarians are mounting campaigns in many of these “uncontested” races, but until they change their history of never defeating a major-party candidate, the D's and R's have no reason to worry.

Practically Elected: No Primary or General Election Opponent

Statewide

U.S. Congress

Texas Senate

Texas House

First-Round Byes: No Primary Opponent

Statewide

U.S. Congress

Texas Senate

Texas House