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Texas Agriculture Commissioner |
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Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
Election details |
Filing deadline: December 11, 2017 |
Primary: March 6, 2018 Primary runoff: May 22, 2018 (if needed) General: November 6, 2018 Pre-election incumbent(s): Sid Miller (Republican) |
How to vote |
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Texas |
Ballotpedia analysis |
Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2018 Impact of term limits in 2018 State government trifectas and triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018 |
Texas executive elections |
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Sitting Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) defeated two challengers in the Republican primary election on March 6, 2018—podcast host and former lobbyist Trey Blocker (R) and Jim Hogan (R), who was the Democratic nominee for the seat in 2014. Miller received 56 percent of the vote to Hogan's 23 percent and Blocker's 21 percent. Miller went on to face Kim Olson (D) in the November general election.
The state agriculture commissioner is an elected executive office responsible for managing the Texas Department of Agriculture and setting agriculture policy.[1] Members are elected to four-year terms in statewide elections. The office has been held by the Republican Party ever since Rick Perry (R) won the 1990 election.
In an interview with Texas Public Radio, University of Houston professor Brandon Rottinghaus argued that the election "will tell us whether or not Republican primary voters are more worried about policy or politics. I think a case can be made that Republican voters will reject Miller for acting in a non-conservative way by raising fees, even if they applaud his tone and tactics." Rottinghaus identified Miller's argument that Blocker had worked with and contributed to Democratic politicians in the past as a potential challenge for Blocker, arguing that voters in primary elections would be less tolerant of a candidate that had connections to the other party.[2]
In his November 2017 announcement that he would challenge Miller's bid for a second term, Blocker criticized increases in agency fees that occurred during Miller's first term: "Over the past four years, we've watched a career politician, embroiled in ethical controversies, raise taxes and grow government at a level that would make Bernie Sanders proud." In response, Miller argued that Blocker was unqualified for the position: "It’s hard to take him seriously when he claims his ag experience comes from cleaning out horse stalls as a kid."[3]
As of February 24, 2018, Miller and challenger Blocker had spent a combined $2.2 million, according to campaign finance reports obtained from the Texas Ethics Commission. The reports indicated that Miller had $200,000 in cash on hand to Blocker's $190,000.[4][5] Jim Hogan had spent just under $3,800.[6] Hogan indicated to the Houston Chronicle that he intended to self-finance his campaign.[7]
Incumbent Sid Miller defeated Jim Hogan and Trey Blocker in the Republican primary for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture on March 6, 2018.
Candidate |
% |
Votes |
||
✔ |
|
Sid Miller |
55.7
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755,498 |
|
Jim Hogan |
22.9
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310,431 | |
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Trey Blocker |
21.5
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291,583 |
Total votes: 1,357,512 | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Ballotpedia identified the following candidates as top candidates based on their campaign finance leads as of December 31, 2017.
Miller's campaign website argues that his first term's achievements include support for President Trump, enforcement of accurate weights and measures, a new school nutrition program, and representing Texas abroad. Miller argues that "Texas is a beacon of patriotism, rugged individualism, and courage" and promises to "fight for these values that have always made Texas great."[8]
Miller has received endorsements from Pres. Donald Trump (R), former Gov. Rick Perry (R), former Rep. Tom DeLay (R), and former Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio (R), as well as industry associations such as the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the Texas Association of Dairymen.[9]
In his announcement that he would challenge Miller, Blocker referred to concerns over the management of the state's agriculture department: "we need to bring honesty, integrity and fiscal responsibility back to the Department of Agriculture...We need to restore TDA to its core mission of promoting, protecting and preserving Texas agriculture and rural Texas."[11] Blocker's campaign website highlights his policy positions on agriculture, immigration, and firearms regulations.[12]
Blocker has received endorsements from The Dallas Morning News as well as industry associations including the Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Food & Fuel Association.
Republican candidate endorsements | |||
---|---|---|---|
Endorsement | Date | Miller | Blocker |
Federal officials | |||
Pres. Donald Trump (R)[13] | February 27, 2018 | ✔ | |
Secretary of Energy and former Gov. Rick Perry (R)[14] | January 18, 2018 | ✔ | |
National figures | |||
Former Rep. Allen West (R-FL)[15] | February 26, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR)[16] | February 7, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio (R)[17] | December 28, 2017 | ✔ | |
Former Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX)[18] | November 8, 2017 | ✔ | |
State figures | |||
Remembrance Project co-founder Mara Espinoza[19] | February 28, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Republican Party of Texas Chairwoman Cathie Adams (R)[20] | February 25, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Republican Party of Texas Vice Chairman David Barton (R)[21] | February 25, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Republican Party of Texas Chairwoman Tina Benkiser (R)[22] | February 23, 2018 | ✔ | |
Republican Party of Texas Executive Committee member Mark Ramsey (R)[23] | February 22, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (R)[24] | January 22, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former Texas Republican Party Chairman Tom Pauken[25] | January 20, 2018 | ✔ | |
Organizations | |||
Bryan-College Station Eagle[26] | March 4, 2018 | ✔ | |
Amarillo Globe-News[27] | February 28, 2018 | ✔ | |
Pastors PAC[28] | February 26, 2018 | ✔ | |
Empower Texans[29] | February 24, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists PAC[30] | February 22, 2018 | ✔ | |
United Republicans of Texas[31] | February 20, 2018 | ✔ | |
Grassroots America We the People[32] | February 16, 2018 | ✔ | |
San Antonio Express-News[33] | February 15, 2018 | ✔ | |
Former San Antonio Tea Party President George Rodriguez[34] | February 14, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Conservative View[35] | February 12, 2018 | ✔ | |
Houston Chronicle[36] | February 12, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Hog Hunters Association[37] | February 8, 2018 | ✔ | |
National Rifle Association[38] | February 6, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texans for Trust in Politics[39] | February 6, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Patriots PAC[40] | February 1, 2018 | ✔ | |
Llano Tea Party[40] | February 1, 2018 | ✔ | |
Kingwood Tea Party[41] | January 30, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Retailers Association[42] | January 29, 2018 | ✔ | |
Kaufman County Tea Party[43] | January 25, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Home School Coalition[44] | January 24, 2018 | ✔ | |
Central Texas Republican Assembly[45] | January 24, 2018 | ✔ | |
The Dallas Morning News[46] | January 24, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Cattle Feeders Association[47] | January 23, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Association of Dairymen PAC[47] | January 23, 2018 | ✔ | |
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association[47] | January 23, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Right to Life[48] | January 23, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Vegetable Association[49] | January 17, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Values Action[50] | January 16, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association[51] | January 15, 2018 | ✔ | |
Manufacturers PAC of Texas[51] | January 15, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Restaurant Association[52] | January 15, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texas Food & Fuel Association[53] | January 15, 2018 | ✔ | |
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility[54] | November 4, 2017 | ✔ | |
Lone Star Liberty[55] | October 21, 2017 | ✔ |
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The following social media statistics were compiled on March 1, 2018.
Candidate | Followers | Likes | Comments on Last Ten Posts | Followers | Following | Tweets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miller | 647,476 | 661,505 | 1,051 | 6,171 | 1,180 | 7,900 |
Blocker | 34,442 | 34,431 | 270 | 875 | 611 | 163 |
The following social media statistics were compiled on January 28, 2018.
Candidate | Followers | Likes | Comments on Last Ten Posts | Followers | Following | Tweets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miller | 640,527 | 654,380 | 435 | 6,080 | 1,183 | 7,947 |
Blocker | 51,528 | 51,538 | 210 | 980 | 624 | 192 |
Tweets by Sid Miller Tweets by Trey Blocker
Following are figures obtained from the Texas Ethics Commission containing information on all contributions to and expenditures by the Miller, Blocker, and Hogan campaigns as of January 25, 2018. Information was also provided on the campaigns' cash reserves on hand and outstanding debt as of that date.
Both Miller and Blocker have made use of self-funding. Reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission indicate that Miller loaned $300,000 to his own campaign on December 29, 2017.[56] As of February 24, 2018, the loan remained outstanding. Blocker loaned $750,000 to his own campaign on June 30, 2017.[57] The campaign repaid $500,000 of that amount on August 15, 2017. The reports indicate two additional loans made by Blocker to his campaign which remained outstanding as of February 24, 2018 - a $50,000 loan made on October 19, 2017, and a $300,000 loan made on December 30, 2017.[58]
Texas Agriculture Commissioner 2018, Republican primary | |||||||||||||||||||
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Poll | Sid Miller | Trey Blocker | Jim Hogan | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
University of Texas/Texas Tribune (February 1-12, 2018) | 54% | 26% | 20% | +/-5.33 | 612 | ||||||||||||||
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. |
On February 15, 2018, Sid Miller (R) and Trey Blocker (R) met for a debate hosted by the McLennan County Republican Club. As in the February 6 debate, Blocker criticized Miller for fee increases during his first term in office and argued that Miller had used taxpayer funding for personal trips. Miller countered that Blocker had previously worked as a lobbyist, including for Democratic clients, and had given campaign contributions to Democratic politicians.[59]
On February 6, 2018, Sid Miller (R) and Trey Blocker (R) met for a debate hosted by Grassroots America—We the People. Blocker criticized Miller for decisions that he had made during his first term in office, including an increase in the department's fees. Miller argued that the fee increase was the first in decades and that it had been necessitated by a funding cut passed by the state Legislature. He added that a decrease in fees was forthcoming. Miller argued that Blocker was ill-suited for the job, arguing that he had previously worked as a lobbyist and had connections with Democratic politicians. Blocker countered that Miller, too, had previously worked as a lobbyist and that President Trump (R) had given to Democratic candidates in the past.[60]
This section provides an overview of media reactions to the election's result. Selected articles are presented as a jumping-off point for deeper exploration of media coverage and as an overview of narratives that emerged surrounding the election.
Sid Miller defeated Tommy Merritt in the 2014 Republican primary runoff. Miller and Merritt defeated Eric Opiela, Joe Cotten, and J. Allen Carnes in the initial primary.[64][65]
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Republican Primary Runoff, 2014 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
Sid Miller | 53.2% | 364,756 | ||
Tommy Merritt | 46.8% | 320,835 | ||
Total Votes | 685,591 | |||
Election results via Texas Secretary of State. Vote totals above are unofficial and reflect 98 precincts reporting. |
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Republican Primary, 2014 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
Sid Miller | 34.6% | 411,560 | ||
Tommy Merritt | 20.9% | 249,440 | ||
Eric Opiela | 17.4% | 207,222 | ||
Joe Cotten | 14.6% | 174,348 | ||
J. Allen Carnes | 12.4% | 148,222 | ||
Total Votes | 1,190,792 | |||
Election results via Texas Secretary of State. |
This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Texas heading into the 2018 elections.
Texas held elections for the following positions in 2018:
Demographic data for Texas | ||
---|---|---|
Texas | U.S. | |
Total population: | 27,429,639 | 316,515,021 |
Land area (sq mi): | 261,232 | 3,531,905 |
Race and ethnicity** | ||
White: | 74.9% | 73.6% |
Black/African American: | 11.9% | 12.6% |
Asian: | 4.2% | 5.1% |
Native American: | 0.5% | 0.8% |
Pacific Islander: | 0.1% | 0.2% |
Two or more: | 2.5% | 3% |
Hispanic/Latino: | 38.4% | 17.1% |
Education | ||
High school graduation rate: | 81.9% | 86.7% |
College graduation rate: | 27.6% | 29.8% |
Income | ||
Median household income: | $53,207 | $53,889 |
Persons below poverty level: | 19.9% | 11.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Texas. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. |
As of July 2016, Texas had a population of approximately 27,862,596 people, and its three largest cities were Houston (pop. est. 2.3 million), San Antonio (pop. est. 1.5 million), and Dallas (pop. est. 1.3 million).[66][67]
This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Texas from 2000 to 2016.
This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Texas every year from 2000 to 2016.
Election results (President of the United States), Texas 2000-2016[68][69] | |||||
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Year | First-place candidate | First-place candidate votes (%) | Second-place candidate | Second-place candidate votes (%) | Margin of victory (%) |
2016 | Donald Trump | 52.23% | Hillary Clinton | 43.24% | 8.99% |
2012 | Mitt Romney | 57.17% | Barack Obama | 41.38% | 15.79% |
2008 | John McCain | 55.45% | Barack Obama | 43.68% | 11.77% |
2004 | George W. Bush | 61.09% | John Kerry | 38.22% | 22.87% |
2000 | George W. Bush | 59.30% | Al Gore | 37.98% | 21.32% |
This chart shows the results of U.S. Senate races in Texas from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.
Election results (U.S. Senator), Texas 2000-2016[70] | |||||
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Year | First-place candidate | First-place candidate votes (%) | Second-place candidate | Second-place candidate votes (%) | Margin of victory (%) |
2014[71] | John Cornyn | 61.56% | David Alameel | 34.36% | 27.20% |
2012[72] | Ted Cruz | 56.46% | Paul Sadler | 40.62% | 15.84% |
2008[73] | John Cornyn | 54.82% | Richard Noriega | 42.84% | 11.98% |
2006[74] | Kay Bailey Hutchison | 61.69% | Barbara Ann Radnofsky | 36.04% | 25.65% |
2002[75] | John Cornyn | 55.30% | Ron Kirk | 43.33% | 11.97% |
2000[76] | Kay Bailey Hutchison | 65.04% | Gene Kelly | 32.35% | 32.69% |
This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2014. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Texas.
Election results (Governor), Texas 2000-2016[77] | |||||
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Year | First-place candidate | First-place candidate votes (%) | Second-place candidate | Second-place candidate votes (%) | Margin of victory (%) |
2014 | Greg Abbott | 59.27% | Wendy Davis | 38.90% | 20.37% |
2010 | Rick Perry | 54.97% | Bill White | 42.30% | 12.67% |
2006 | Rick Perry | 39.03% | Chris Bell | 29.79% | 9.24% |
2002 | Rick Perry | 57.81% | Tony Sanchez | 39.96% | 17.85% |
This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.
A state government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.
Texas Party Control: 1992-2021
Three years of Democratic trifectas • Nineteen years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Texas agriculture commissioner Republican primary 2018. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
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