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While there is no presidential election in 2022, there are still important races, both local and statewide. Some of the races during the March 1 primary election include Texas governor, Bexar County judge and U.S. House of Representative seats.
The election will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates who will advance to compete in the final round of voting during the general election on Nov. 8.
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, hosts Steve Spriester and Stephania Jimenez were joined by experts from around San Antonio to take a look at what is on the ballot for the Primary Election and the importance of the Latino vote, as well as the youth vote.
The panelists included:
- Former Precinct 3 Commissioner and City Councilman Kevin Wolff
- Demonte Alexander, San Antonio-based Public Affairs Consultant
- Juan Sepúlveda, J.D., Trinity University President’s Special Advisor for Inclusive Excellence
- Jamie Thompson, M.Ed., Trinity University Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Involvement
During the 2020 presidential election, a bigger percentage of the Latino vote in Texas favored former President Donald Trump. Sepúlveda believes the Latino vote isn’t necessarily right or left leaning.
“I always tell people one thing that’s important to understand about the Latino vote in Texas and nationally is that’s it’s a swing vote, it’s a persuadable vote,” Sepúlveda said.
The youth vote has grown during elections over the last few years. Thompson says it’s important for higher education institutions to help their students get more involved in the voting process.
“There is an interest out there,” Thompson said. “I think we need to make it as easy as possible as institutions to get them registered and get them out to vote.”
Arguably one of the biggest races that will be on the ballot for Bexar County is the one for county judge. This will be the first time in 20 years the county has had to elect someone new to hold the seat.
When asked about the race on the democratic side, Alexander believes there will be a run-off between Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and State Rep. Ina Minjarez.
“As someone who has been on the ground, and as someone who has dove into those numbers, it’s going to be the one who out-organizes,” said Alexander. “Who’s the one that’s going to get on those doors? Who’s the one that’s going to really segment those voter bases and really speak to voters where they are at?”
Wolff says he guarantees that there will be no winner on the Democratic side for county judge, because there will be a run-off election. He predicts the run-off will be between Judge Peter Sakai and State Rep. Minjarez.
Wolff also says there’s a lack of excitement for both parties running for the county judge seat.
“We’re having a turnover in that seat that we haven’t seen in 20-plus years,” said Wolff. “The level of excitement, or lack there of, has been kind of surprising to me.”
→ FIND MORE ELECTION NEWS ON OUR VOTE 2022 PAGE ←
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Read More:
Everything to know about voting in the 2022 Texas Primary Election on March 1
The races to watch in Bexar County for 2022 elections
3 Democrats are serious contenders in primary race for Bexar County judge