Yesterday, Texas state senators drew lots to determine if they would serve a two- or four-year term before defending their seats at the ballot box again.

One of the unlucky ones to draw a two-year term was Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth. She won her seat by only a 2% margin in a $5 million race last year. The Democrats see her as a rising star. And after San Antonio Mayor Castro announced he will not run for governor, many see Davis as another hope for higher office. However, drawing the short term would require Davis to choose between her Senate seat and another position on the ballot. Republicans are excited to have another shot at the Republican-leaning district and believe Davis is vulnerable without Obama at the top of the ticket.

Another senator drawing the short end of the stick was newly elected Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels. Campbell first upset Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones to earn a place in the runoff. Then, she surprised long-time incumbent Jeff Wentworth to win the seat in the fall. There is little chance this district could be won by the Democrats, but many in San Antonio would like it to return to one of their own.

Two other freshmen — Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown — also will run for re-election in 2014. Last year, Hancock was challenged by fellow House member Todd Smith, but Schwertner ran unopposed.

Since Texas law prohibits members from fundraising during session, senators should focus on the task at-hand, passing good public policy for Lone Star State citizens.

Featured Publications