For months, political prognosticators in the Lone Star State have been predicting a possible “blue wave” of successful Democratic candidates in upcoming elections.
Now,as The San Antonio Express-News reports,that same blue wave may soon result in a surge of newly elected gay officials in Texas. The ballots for 2018 contain a record number of LGBTQ candidates. In fact, the number of gay candidates on this year’s ballot is double the previous record.
According to Houston-based OutSmart magazine, there are at least 42 LGBTQ people running for public office in Texas this year. All but four are running as Democrats.
That list includes perhaps the most prominent gay candidate in Texas history, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who is challenging Gov. Greg Abbott for his seat.
The list also includes one candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, three for the Texas Senate, 10 for the Texas House, and eight for the U.S. House of Representatives.