Democratic candidates for federal, state and local office discussed top issues and pitched themselves as the best nominee to vie for key offices during the November general election.
The Fort Worth Report hosted its second candidate debate on Feb. 8 at Texas Wesleyan University in partnership with fellow nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations KERA, SteerFW and the League of Women Voters. Democratic primary candidates for U.S. House District 12, Texas House District 97, and Tarrant County Precinct 1 discussed key issues, including education, criminal justice and the economy.
The March 5 primary election will decide the Republican and Democratic candidates who will face each other in the general election Nov. 5. Early voting for the 2024 primary starts Tuesday, Feb. 20. Texas primaries are open, which means residents may vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary in March.
Residents can find voter information about nearby polling places, sample ballots and acceptable voter IDs here.
Republican Kay Granger’s planned departure leaves U.S House District 12 without an incumbent. While five Republicans compete for their party’s nomination, just two Democrats, Sebastian Gehrig and Trey Hunt, are seeking the Democratic nomination.
Hunt was not able to attend the debate, but Gehrig, an Air Force veteran and small business owner, said he is running to provide better representation in Congress.
“I’ve been waiting for someone to step up to the position and provide leadership in Washington,” Gehrig said. “I’m coming up here tonight to step up and be that candidate that goes and represents the people.”
Gehrig said he will create a new generation of leadership with new ideas. The three most important issues to address in Washington are border security, education and healthcare, he said. He supports universal health care and advocates for stabilizing central and South American countries.
He says he would challenge the status quo in Washington and bring a young, progressive perspective to the office.
Missed the candidate forum? Here’s where to watch the recording
The forums were open to the public and livestreamed on the Fort Worth Report’s YouTube channel. To watch the forum, click here.
Rachel Behrndt is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at rachel.behrndt@fortworthreport.org or via X.
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