Vote here sign located in Orlando, Florida on Election Day 2008. Photo courtesy of Erik (HASH) Hersman Wikipedia Commons.

 In this year’s Texas midterm elections, races across federal, state, county, and local levels will be on the ballot depending on the voter’s location. The following information aims to break down the races specific to El Paso voters.  

According to Texas Tribune, the races on the ballot include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, comptroller, a seat from the Railroad Commission, district based judicial seats, State Board of Education, and congressional and legislative representatives.   

Running for Texas governor is current incumbent Greg Abbott (R) against Beto O’Rourke (D), as well as libertarian (L) and green party (G) candidates. Below the governor is lieutenant governor Dan Patrick (R) seeking re-election against Democrat and libertarian candidates, similar to the state’s highest civil case lawyer, attorney general Ken Paxton (R).     

The agriculture commissioner oversees agriculture production and promotes healthy lifestyles and economic development. All but the land commissioner is up for re-election. This seat oversees state land through the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and administers disaster recovery funds.    

Collecting taxes in Texas is the comptroller’s role, and a railroad commissioner regulates gas and oil industries. 

The State Board of Education sets policies for Texas public schools. It has 15 districts across the state and competing to represent El Paso in District 1 are Michael “Travis” Stephens (R) and Melissa N. Ortega (D).  

U.S. Congress Representatives hold two-year terms, and you can expect current incumbent Veronica Escobar (D) and her opponent Irene Armendariz-Jackson (R) on the ballot.   

The Texas House of Representatives proposes area focused laws and resolutions and is divided into 150 districts, all of which are up for re-election. El Paso alone is divided into five districts, but only House District 75 and 76 are being contested. Find out who represents you under “Am I registered?” at epcountyvotes.com.   

In the judicial branch, there exists two types of courts, trial and appellate. Trial courts are where a judge presides over a case and decides. If citizens are unsatisfied with the judge’s decision, they may request an appellate court to review their case. These courts have jurisdiction over specific geographical regions, except for the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.  

The Texas Supreme Court is the highest appellate court for civil and juvenile cases. It is composed of nine justices and has statewide jurisdiction; therefore, all Texas residents can vote in every race for the nine spots. This election, justice places 3, 5 and 9 are on the ballot and you can find the names of the candidates on your sample ballot. 

Like the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals also has statewide jurisdiction and is the highest appellate court, except that this court focuses specifically on criminal cases. Justice places 5 and 6 are up for election.   

According to txcourts.gov, the Court of Appeals “have intermediate appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases appealed from district or county courts.” There are 14 courts of appeals in Texas and the 8th court has jurisdiction over El Paso. The court is composed of three justices and running for place 2 are Jeff Alley (R) and Lisa Soto (D).   

Like the Texas House of Representatives, district judges vary based on your location. Some seats are up for re-election and whether they are running contested, you can find their names at epcountyvotes.com.  

On a county and local level, some of the most important seats in every election is where you will find the most uncontested seats, and perhaps that is why you have never heard of those positions at all.   

A few of the most notable positions include the county judge and county commissioners, which are divided into four depending on the precinct voters live in.   

Some county judges will also be on the ballot. Also pay attention to city proposals and City Council Representative districts 1, 5, 6, and 8 who will be on the ballot.  

Most importantly, please research candidates. A simple name search on Google may link you to where you can learn about their qualifications and more.   

Josie Avila is the audience and engagement editor and can be reached at [email protected]; Joseline Avila on LinkedIn.