Political People and their Moves

Gov. Rick Perry set May 10 for the special election to fill the vacancy in SD-4, the seat Tommy Williams resigned to take a job with Texas A&M University.

Missouri City Democrat Steve Brown says he will run for the open spot on the Texas Railroad Commission next year. He’s the first Democrat in that race to replace Barry Smitherman, who won the seat last year but is giving it up to run for attorney general.

Lubbock ISD board president Steve Massengale is considering a primary challenge to HD 83 incumbent Charles Perry. Massengale told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that he is spurred by a strong interest in public education and that he would make a decision in the next couple of weeks.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price endorsed former state Rep. Mark Shelton, R-Fort Worth, in the SD-10 race. Shelton lost the 2012 general election contest to Wendy Davis, who is moving on. He's one of several Republicans in the race this year.

HEB ISD trustee Andy Cargile, a former high school principal, will challenge State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, in the HD-92 GOP primary.

Democrat Mark Greene will challenge U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, in CD-12 next year.

Danny Pelton, a Republican challenging State Rep. J.D. Sheffield, R-Gatesville, picked up another endorsement from one of Sheffield’s colleagues: State Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands.

The Kinkster is not alone in supporting looser laws for marijuana; Republican gubernatorial candidate Miriam Martinez says she supports legalizing medical marijuana and decriminalizing possession of an ounce or less. 

Grover Campbell will head government relations for the Texas Association of School Boards. He spent years as legislative liaison for the University of Houston System and most recently was working as a contract lobbyist in Austin.

Lori Cobos is leaving the state’s Public Utility Commission to join former Commissioner Becky Klein’s consulting firm.