Texas’ primary elections delivered a strong showing for TEXPAC-endorsed candidates, as 92% of those medicine-friendly contenders advanced to November’s state general election.
All 14 Senate candidates backed by TEXPAC posted impressive primary wins. The results were almost as strong for state House candidates as 90% of them won their primary election while 3% are headed to a primary runoff in May.
TEXPAC plays a key role in delivering election wins by persistently and methodically vetting candidates who prioritize the interests of medicine and then backing those who prove themselves worthy with endorsements and financial support.
In his inaugural run for the House District 21 seat representing Southeast Texas, Texas Medical Association Immediate Past President G. Ray Callas, MD, of Beaumont, posted a high vote turnout even compared to more competitive races, despite running unopposed in his Republican House primary race – success he attributes in part to TEXPAC’s support.
Dr. Callas could become the state’s sixth physician legislator with a win in November’s general election.
“When you get that endorsement from TEXPAC, it lets everyone in the state of Texas know that you are very much on board with the Party of Medicine,” he said, referring to the PAC’s efforts to back candidates on both sides of the aisle who support medicine’s agenda.
Four current physician legislators, each endorsed by TEXPAC, also decisively won their party’s primaries:
- Rep. Suleman Lalani, MD (D-Sugar Land)
- Rep. Tom Oliverson, MD (R-Cypress)
- Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD (R-Friendswood)
- Sen. Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown)
If each of them wins the general election, they would join Sen. Donna Campbell, MD (R-New Braunfels), at the Capitol in January. Senator Campbell is up for reelection in 2028.
Across the state, incumbents largely held their ground, including many TEXPAC-endorsed lawmakers in key positions that could impact medicine’s issues. Among them: Rep. Angelia Orr (R-Hillsboro), chair of House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article II, overseeing health care spending; Rep. Liz Campos (D-San Antonio), vice chair of the House Public Health committee, which oversees state health services including the regulation of medicine and access to health care; and Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine), a member of the House Calendars committee, which decides which bills get heard on the House floor.
TMA Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Lobbyist Clayton Stewart said the need to “have strong friends” in the House and Senate is of paramount importance.
“[These wins] are critical because medicine has so many issues that we need as many allies as possible to help in our efforts in next year’s legislative session,” Mr. Stewart said.
For more information on TEXPAC and how to join to help elect pro-medicine candidates at the state and federal level, visit the committee’s website.
Texas Medical Association Political Action Committee (TEXPAC) is a bipartisan political action committee of TMA and affiliated with the American Medical Association Political Action Committee (AMPAC) for congressional contribution purposes only. Its goal is to support and elect pro-medicine candidates at the federal level and the state level. Voluntary contributions by individuals to TEXPAC should be written on personal checks. Funds attributed to individuals or professional associations (PAs) that would exceed federal contribution limits will be placed in the TEXPAC statewide account to support nonfederal political candidates. Contributions are not limited to the suggested amounts. TEXPAC will not favor or disadvantage anyone based on the amounts or failure to make contributions. Contributions used for federal purposes are subject to the prohibitions and limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act.
Contributions or gifts to TEXPAC or any county medical society PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions or business expenses for federal income tax purposes.
Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. To satisfy this regulation, please include your occupation and employer information in the space provided. Contributions from a practice business account must disclose the name of the practice and the allocation of contributions for each contributing owner. Should you have any questions, please call TEXPAC at (512) 370-1365.