Fundraising numbers in statewide races for Texas offices show Republicans with a huge lead over Democrats.
As of the end of June, state and federal campaign finance reports indicate that the GOP candidates for seven state offices have a money advantage of 34-to-1 over their Democratic opponents. The races are for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and railroad commissioner.
Democratic gubernatorial challenger Lupe Valdez has just $222,000 in the bank according to the latest campaign finance reports: Compare that to incumbent Greg Abbott, who has a warchest approaching $29-million.
Political analysts say donors are putting money into what they see as "winnable" races. El Paso Congressman Beto O'Rourke is making a big splash in his bid to unseat US Senator Ted Cruz. He raised $10.4-million dollars in the last three months, outdistancing the Republican incumbent.
Democrats haven't won an election for a statewide office since 1994.