2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas

The 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas were held on November 7, 2006, to determine the 32 U.S. representatives from the state of Texas, one from each of the state's 32 congressional districts. These elections coincided with the 2006 midterm elections, which included a gubernatorial election and an election to the U.S. Senate.

2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas

November 7, 2006
December 12 (District 23 runoff)

All 32 Texas seats to the United States House of Representatives
Turnout4,179,701 - 25%
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Republican Democratic
Seats before 21 11
Seats won 19 13
Seat change Decrease 2 Increase 2
Popular vote 2,184,261 1,852,613
Percentage 52.3% 44.3%
Swing Decrease 5.4% Increase 5.3%

Texas underwent a second round of mid-decade redistricting as a result of the Supreme Court case League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry. The court had ruled that District 23 violated the Voting Rights Act.[1] Due to this ruling, the 15th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 28th districts were redrawn after the primary election had occurred, voiding the results. These districts instead conducted special elections concurrent with the general elections.[2] This election marks the first time Democrats made a net gain of seats over Republicans since the 1992 elections.

Overview

2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas*[3][4][5]
Party Votes* Percentage Seats before Seats after +/–
Republican 2,184,261 52.26% 21 19 -2
Democratic 1,852,613 44.32% 11 13 +2
Libertarian 117,313 2.81% 0 0 0
Independent 16,131 .39% 0 0 0
Constitution 9,383 .23% 0 0 0
Totals 4,179,701 100.00% 32 32

(*elections in the 15th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 28th were conducted under the Nonpartisan blanket primary format)

District 1

2006 Texas's 1st congressional district election

 
Nominee Louis Gohmert Roger Owen
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 104,080 46,290
Percentage 68.0% 30.3%

County results
Gohmert:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Owen:      40–50%

U.S. Representative before election

Louis Gohmert
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Louis Gohmert
Republican

Freshman Congressman Louis Gohmert (R-Tyler), elected in 2004 after redistricting in East Texas, faced Roger Owen (D) of Hallsville in the general election, along with Libertarian nominee Donald Perkinson. Gohmert was one of four Republicans who succeeded in defeating incumbent Democrats with help from a controversial redistricting effort orchestrated by former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Louis Gohmert 104,080 68.01 +6.54
Democratic Roger Owen 46,290 30.25 -7.43
Libertarian Donald Perkinson 2,667 1.74 +0.9
Majority 57,790 37.76
Turnout 153,037
Republican hold Swing +13.97

District 2

2006 Texas's 2nd congressional district election

 
Nominee Ted Poe Gary Binderim
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 90,332 45,027
Percentage 65.6% 32.7%

County results
Poe:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Ted Poe
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ted Poe
Republican

In 2004, Ted Poe (R-Humble) unseated Democrat Nick Lampson after heavy redistricting changed the political landscape, allowing him to win with 55% of the vote. His opponent in November was Democrat Gary Binderim, along with the Libertarian Justo J. Perez.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 2
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ted Poe 90,332 65.62 +10.1
Democratic Gary Binderim 45,027 32.71 -10.2
Libertarian Justo Perez 2,294 1.67 +0.12
Majority 45,305 32.91
Turnout 137,653
Republican hold Swing +20.3

District 3

Incumbent Sam Johnson (R-Plano) faced Dan Dodd, Democrat from McKinney, and Libertarian Christopher J. Claytor in the general election. This district is dominated by the Republican stronghold of Collin County, as well as Garland, another large Dallas suburb.

Endorsements

Dan Dodd (D)
Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 3
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sam Johnson 88,634 62.52 -23.09
Democratic Dan Dodd 49,488 34.91 +34.91
Libertarian Christopher Claytor 3,656 2.58 -3.73
Majority 39,146 27.61
Turnout 141,778
Republican hold Swing -49.44

District 4

2006 Texas's 4th congressional district election

 
Nominee Ralph Hall Glenn Melancon
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 106,268 54,892
Percentage 64.6% 33.3%

County results
Hall:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Melancon:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Ralph Hall
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ralph Hall
Republican

25-year incumbent Ralph Hall (R-Rockwall), who switched from the Democratic Party shortly before the 2004 election, faced Democrat Glenn Melancon of Sherman and Libertarian Kurt G. Helm. Though it is best known as the district of the well known former Speaker Sam Rayburn, and thus a long Democratic stronghold, the southern end of the district consists of Republican-dominated Dallas suburbs.

Endorsements

Glenn Melancon (D)
Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 4
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ralph Hall 106,268 64.55 -3.69
Democratic Glenn Melancon 54,892 33.34 +2.90
Libertarian Kurt G. Helm 3,481 2.11 +1.81
Majority 51,376 31.21
Turnout 164,641
Republican hold Swing -6.59

District 5

2006 Texas's 5th congressional district election

 
Nominee Jeb Hensarling Charlie Thompson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 85,081 49,253
Percentage 61.7% 35.7%

County results
Hensarling:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. Representative before election

Jeb Hensarling
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Jeb Hensarling
Republican

Incumbent Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) faced Democrat Charlie Thompson of Athens in the general election, along with Libertarian Mike Nelson.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 5
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jeb Hensarling 85,081 61.68 -2.78
Democratic Charlie Thompson 49,253 35.70 +2.82
Libertarian Mike Nelson 3,616 2.62 -0.03
Majority 35,828 25.98
Turnout 137,950
Republican hold Swing -5.6

District 6

2006 Texas's 6th congressional district election

 
Nominee Joe Barton David T. Harris
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 91,888 56,342
Percentage 60.5% 37.1%

County results
Barton:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Joe Barton
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Joe Barton
Republican

Joe Barton (R-Ennis), who has represented the Sixth District since 1985, faced Democrat David T. Harris of Arlington in November, along with Libertarian Carl Nulsen.

Endorsements

David T. Harris (D)
Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 6
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Joe Barton 91,888 60.46 -5.56
Democratic David T. Harris 56,342 37.07 +4.19
Libertarian Carl Nulsen 3,739 2.46 +1.19
Turnout 151,969
Majority 35,546 23.39
Republican hold Swing -9.93

District 7

Incumbent John Culberson (R-Houston) faced Democratic teacher Jim Henley of Houston and Libertarian Drew Parks in the general election in November. The seventh district is one of the most heavily Republican districts in Texas yet it is mostly urban, as it is also one of the wealthiest districts in the country and includes several affluent areas of Houston, including the Upper Kirby, Uptown, Spring Branch-Memorial, and River Oaks neighborhoods, as well as the cities of West University Place, Bellaire, and Jersey Village.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 7
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Culberson 98,761 59.19 -4.92
Democratic Jim Henley 64,170 38.46 +5.16
Libertarian Drew Parks 3,921 2.35 +1.12
Majority 34,591 20.73
Turnout 166,852
Republican hold Swing -10.08

District 8

2006 Texas's 8th congressional district election

 
Nominee Kevin Brady James Wright
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 106,943 52,275
Percentage 67.2% 32.8%

County results
Brady:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Wright:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Kevin Brady
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Kevin Brady
Republican

Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), incumbent Congressman since 1996, faced Democrat James Wright of New Caney in November.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 8
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Kevin Brady 106,943 67.17 -1.74
Democratic James Wright 52,275 32.83 +3.17
Majority 54,668 34.34
Turnout 159,218
Republican hold Swing -4.91

District 9

Freshman Democratic Congressman Al Green of Houston faced no opposition to his re-election.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green 60,253 100.00 +27.82
Majority 60,253 100.00
Turnout 60,253
Democratic hold Swing +54.39

District 10

2006 Texas's 10th congressional district election

 
Nominee Michael McCaul Ted Ankrum
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 97,618 71,232
Percentage 55.3% 40.4%

County results
McCaul:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Ankrum:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Michael McCaul
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Michael McCaul
Republican

Incumbent freshman Michael McCaul (R-Austin) faced some minor celebrity in that of 2004 Libertarian presidential nominee Michael Badnarik. Vietnam veteran Ted Ankrum of Houston ran as the Democratic nominee. McCaul was elected with no Democratic opposition in 2004, as the Libertarian candidate captured 15% of the vote (no Libertarian candidate in the entire state garnered more than 4% when running against both major parties). The 10th district spans a large swath of southeast and central Texas from eastern Austin to Harris County west of Houston.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 10
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Michael McCaul 97,618 55.32 -23.29
Democratic Ted Ankrum 71,232 40.37 +40.37
Libertarian Michael Badnarik 7,603 4.31 -11.04
Majority 26,686 14.95
Turnout 176,453
Republican hold Swing -48.31

District 11

Congressman Mike Conaway (R-Midland) ran unopposed in the general election.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 11
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Conaway 107,268 100 +23.2
Majority 107,268 100
Turnout 107,268
Republican hold Swing +45

District 12

2006 Texas's 12th congressional district election

 
Nominee Kay Granger John Morris
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 98,371 45,676
Percentage 66.9% 31.1%

County results
Granger:      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Kay Granger
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Kay Granger
Republican

Incumbent Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) faced John R. Morris (D), also of Fort Worth, in the general election. Gardner Osborne received the Libertarian nomination.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 12
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Kay Granger 98,371 66.94 -5.37
Democratic John Morris 45,676 31.08 +3.40
Libertarian Gardner Osborne 2,888 1.96 +1.96
Majority 52,695 44.63
Turnout 146,935
Republican hold Swing -8.77

District 13

2006 Texas's 13th congressional district election

 
Nominee Mac Thornberry Roger Waun
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 108,107 33,460
Percentage 74.4% 23.0%

County results
Thornberry:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Waun:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Mac Thornberry
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Mac Thornberry
Republican

Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Amarillo) faced Roger Waun, Democrat from Wichita Falls, in this panhandle race. Jim Thompson represented the Libertarian Party in the election.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 13
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mac Thornberry 108,107 74.35 -17.95
Democratic Roger Waun 33,460 23.01 +23.01
Libertarian Jim Thompson 3,829 2.63 -5.06
Majority 74,674 51.34
Turnout 145,396
Republican hold Swing -33.27

District 14

2006 Texas's 14th congressional district election

 
Nominee Ron Paul Shane Sklar
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 94,380 62,429
Percentage 60.2% 39.8%

County results
Paul:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Sklar:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Ron Paul
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ron Paul
Republican

Congressman Ron Paul, the Republican from Surfside, faced Shane Sklar, Democratic nominee from Edna, to represent this coastal district, which stretches from Victoria and stretches in a northward and eastward direction to Fort Bend and Brazoria counties.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 14
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ron Paul 94,380 60.18 -39.81
Democratic Shane Sklar 62,429 39.81 +39.81
Majority 31,951 20.37
Turnout 156,809
Republican hold Swing -79.63

District 15

2006 Texas's 15th congressional district election

 
Nominee Rubén Hinojosa Paul Haring Eddie Zamora
Party Democratic Republican Republican
Popular vote 43,236 16,601 10,150
Percentage 61.8% 23.7% 14.5%

County results
Hinojosa:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Zamora:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Rubén Hinojosa
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Rubén Hinojosa
Democratic

Four-term incumbent Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-McAllen) ran against Republicans Paul Haring and Eddie Zamora in a special election caused by court mandated redistricting in South Texas and the redrawing of the district's lines.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 15
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Rubén Hinojosa 43,236 61.77 +4.01
Republican Paul Haring
Eddie Zamora
16,601
10,150
23.72
14.50
-2.60
Majority 26,635 38.05
Turnout 69,987
Democratic hold Swing +21.11

District 16

Democratic Congressman Silvestre Reyes of El Paso faced third-party opposition in the fall, in the form of Libertarian Gordon Strickland. The 16th District is heavily Democratic and comprises mainly El Paso, which is heavily Hispanic.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 16
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Silvestre Reyes 61,116 78.67 +11.14
Libertarian Gordon Strickland 16,572 21.33 +19.95
Majority 44,544 57.34
Turnout 77,688
Democratic hold Swing +20.89

District 17

2006 Texas's 17th congressional district election

 
Nominee Chet Edwards Van Taylor
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 92,478 64,142
Percentage 58.1% 40.3%

County results
Edwards:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Taylor:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Chet Edwards
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Chet Edwards
Democratic

Incumbent Chet Edwards (D-Waco) won reelection by a 51% to 48% margin in 2004 after the 2003 Texas redistricting changed his exurban Central Texas district substantially and made it more Republican, he also pulled off the victory despite the fact Bush won the district by a margin of 40%. His district includes Waco and Crawford, the location of George W. Bush's ranch, Prairie Chapel Ranch. With his district stretched to include his alma mater of Texas A&M University, he was able to pull off a narrow victory in 2004. He was also helped by the fact that his opponent, then-State Representative Arlene Wohlgemuth, was nominated only after a nasty, expensive primary. This year, he was challenged by Republican Van Taylor, an attorney and Iraq War veteran from a prominent family in Waco. Guillermo Acosta also ran as the Libertarian nominee.

Endorsements

Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 17
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Chet Edwards 92,478 58.12 +6.92
Republican Van Taylor 64,142 40.31 -7.11
Libertarian Guillermo Acosta 2,504 1.57 +0.18
Majority 28,336 17.81
Turnout 159,124
Democratic hold Swing +14.03

District 18

Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) faced Republican Ahmad Hassan to represent this largely Democratic and urban Congressional seat in the heart of Houston. Patrick Warren was the Libertarian nominee.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 18
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Sheila Jackson Lee 65,936 76.62 -12.29
Republican Ahmad Hassan 16,448 19.11 +19.11
Libertarian Patrick Warren 3,667 4.26 -0.44
Majority 49,488 57.51
Turnout 86,051
Democratic hold Swing -25.00

District 19

2006 Texas's 19th congressional district election

 
Nominee Randy Neugebauer Robert Ricketts
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 92,811 40,853
Percentage 67.7% 29.8%

County results
Neugebauer:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Ricketts:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Randy Neugebauer
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Randy Neugebauer
Republican

Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Lubbock), victorious in 2004 over fellow incumbent Congressman Charlie Stenholm (D-Abilene), faced Democrat Robert Ricketts, also of Lubbock, in November. Fred Jones was on the ballot as the Libertarian nominee.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 19
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Randy Neugebauer 92,811 67.70 +9.26
Democratic Robert Ricketts 40,853 29.77 -10.28
Libertarian Fred Jones 3,300 2.39 +.88
Write-In Mike Sadler 197 0.14 +0.14
Majority 48,558 37.93
Turnout 136,964
Republican hold Swing +18.39

District 20

Charlie Gonzalez (D-San Antonio) defended his Congressional seat against Libertarian Michael Idrogo. His district covers much of inner city San Antonio, which is mostly Hispanic.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 20
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Charles A. Gonzalez 68,348 87.35 +22.06
Libertarian Michael Idrogo 9,897 12.65 +11.27
Majority 58451 74.88
Turnout 78,245
Democratic hold Swing +41.41

District 21

2006 Texas's 21st congressional district election

 
Nominee Lamar S. Smith John Courage Gene Kelly
Party Republican Democratic Democratic
Popular vote 122,486 49,957 18,355
Percentage 60.1% 24.5% 9.0%

County results
Smith:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Lamar S. Smith
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Lamar S. Smith
Republican

Lamar S. Smith (R-San Antonio) was running against San Antonio Democrat John Courage in the general election, along with James Arthur Strohm, the Libertarian nominee. The district was changed somewhat in the federal court remapping mandated by the Supreme Court and attracted several new candidates for the special election ensued as a result of the boundary change after the party primaries took place. Candidates included Democratic perennial candidate Gene Kelly, along with Independent candidates Tommy Calvert, James Lyle Peterson, and Mark Rossano. Smith won a majority of votes and avoided a December runoff.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 21[10]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Lamar Smith 122,486 60.11 -1.40
Democratic John Courage 49,957 24.51
Democratic Gene Kelly 18,355 9.01
Independent Tommy Calvert 5,280 2.59
Libertarian James Arthur Strohm 4,076 2.00 -1.00
Independent James Lyle Peterson 2,189 1.07
Independent Mark Rossano 1,439 0.71
Majority 72,529 35.60
Turnout 203,782
Republican hold Swing -1.4

District 22

2006 Texas's 22nd congressional district election

November 7, 2006
 
Nominee Nick Lampson Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
(write-in)
Bob Smither
Party Democratic Republican Libertarian
Popular vote 76,775 61,938 9,009
Percentage 51.8% 41.8% 6.1%

Results by county
Lampson
  40–50%
  50–60%
  60–70%


U.S. Representative before election

Tom DeLay
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Nick Lampson
Democratic

Retiring incumbent Tom DeLay (R-Sugar Land) had been facing mounting ethical challenges and corruption charges in recent months, and won reelection by a surprisingly small 55% to 41% margin in 2004, even though George W. Bush carried the suburban Houston district with 64%. On September 28, 2005, DeLay was indicted by a grand jury in Travis County. As a result, he felt forced to step down from his post as House Majority Leader. In announcing his plans not to seek reelection, Delay noted his poor poll showing and the constant criticisms he was expecting. DeLay declared himself ineligible for the race on Tuesday, April 4 by attempting to officially change his residence to Virginia. "Those polls showed him beating Democrat Nick Lampson in the general election but in a race that would be too close for comfort, DeLay said." The Galveston County Daily News National, World and Business News | Reuters.com.

DeLay's district faced a strong challenge from former Rep. Nick Lampson, a Democrat whose district he dismantled during the 2003 mid-decade redistricting. Lampson's former district contained much of the eastern area of DeLay's present district.

Libertarian Bob Smither also ran for the 22nd district of Texas.

The Republican nomination to replace DeLay was prevented by a court ruling that mandated that DeLay could not be replaced on the ballot. As a result, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who previously sent out telephone calls encouraging Republicans to vote for DeLay in the primary, called for DeLay's name to be removed from the ballot and replaced with another GOP candidate. The court order was upheld by a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court and appeal to the Supreme Court refused by Justice Antonin Scalia. DeLay then filed to withdraw his name from the ballot to allow the GOP to rally behind another candidate.

The Texas GOP then decided to attempt to rally behind a write-in candidate, choosing Houston City Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs during a meeting of precinct chairs in the 22nd district on August 17. The presumed favorite before the denial of the appeal, Sugar Land mayor David Wallace, filed as a write-in candidate with the Texas Secretary of State before the meeting, vowing to run even without the support of the GOP. Sekula-Gibbs picked as write-in candidate

Endorsements

Individuals
US House election, 2006: Texas district 22[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nick Lampson 76,775 51.79%
Republican Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (write-in) 61,938 41.78%
Libertarian Bob Smither 9,009 6.08%
Republican Don Richardson (write-in) 428 0.29%
Independent Joe Reasbeck (write-in) 89 0.06%
Majority 14,817 10.01%
Turnout 148,239
Democratic gain from Republican Swing


District 23

2006 Texas's 23rd congressional district election

November 7, 2006 (first round)
December 12, 2006 (runoff election)
 
Nominee Ciro Rodriguez Henry Bonilla
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 38,256 32,217
Percentage 54.3% 45.7%

Runoff county results
Rodriguez:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Bonilla:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Henry Bonilla
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ciro Rodriguez
Democratic

The 23rd district was among five districts holding a special election on November 7, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.

The reason for this arrangement stems from the controversial 2003 Texas redistricting plan which was ruled unconstitutional with respect to the 23rd district by the Supreme Court in League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry. The Court ruled that the plan was a racial gerrymander; specifically that it lowered the Hispanic population percentage in the district to the extent that it unconstitutionally diminished the constituency's political influence. The 23rd had to be redrawn, and, in all, five districts were effected, and all primary results from those districts were vacated. The new lines effected mostly the 23rd and 28th districts.

The incumbent in the 23rd was Congressman Henry Bonilla (R-San Antonio). His opponent originally was Rick Bolanos, 57, Democrat from El Paso, who was to be Bonilla's challenger before the district was redrawn and forced the new elections. As redrawn, however, Bonilla's district included the home of Democratic ex-Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, who jumped into the race, after losing his primary challenge against Henry Cuellar in the 28th district.

Endorsements

Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 23
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Henry Bonilla (incumbent) 60,147 48.46
Democratic Ciro Rodriguez 24,953 20.10
Democratic Albert Uresti 14,529 11.70
Democratic Lukin Gilliland 13,725 11.05
Independent Craig Stephens 3,344 2.69
Democratic Augie Beltran 2,650 2.13
Democratic Rick Bolanos 2,563 2.06
Democratic Adrian DeLeon 2,198 1.77
Turnout 124,198

District 23's election was the only one to advance to a runoff, which was held on December 12.

2006 U.S. House run-off election: Texas district 23
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Ciro Rodriguez 38,256 54.28% +25.1
Republican Henry Bonilla (incumbent) 32,217 45.72% -23.9
Majority 6,082 8.64%
Turnout 70,473
Democratic gain from Republican Swing 24.5

District 24

Incumbent Kenny Marchant (R-Coppell), ran to keep his seat in Congress against Democrat Gary Page of Irving and the Libertarian nominee Mark Frohman.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 24
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Kenny Marchant 83,620 60.0
Democratic Gary Page 51,833 37.0
Libertarian Mark Frohman 4,211 3.0
Republican hold Swing -7.10

District 25

2006 Texas's 25th congressional district election

 
Nominee Lloyd Doggett Grant Rostig
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 109,911 42,975
Percentage 67.3% 26.3%

County results
Doggett:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Lloyd Doggett
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Lloyd Doggett
Democratic

Incumbent Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) originally was slated to have no major party opposition in the fall. The 25th district formerly stretched from Austin to the Mexican border, but has been redrawn for the 110th Congress to be more compact and completely in the central part of the state.

As this district was redrawn after the party primaries took place, a special election ensued in November, meaning that instead of a plurality required for victory, a majority was required. If no candidate received a majority, the top two contenders would meet in a runoff election in December. He was opposed by Republican Grant Rostig, Libertarian Barbara Cunningham, and Independent Brian Parrett.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 25
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Lloyd Doggett 109,911 67.26 -0.34
Republican Grant Rostig 42,975 26.30 -4.44
Libertarian Barbara Cunningham 6,942 4.25 +2.59
Independent Brian Parrett 3,596 2.20 +2.20
Majority 66,936 40.96
Turnout 163,424
Democratic hold Swing +4.10

District 26

2006 Texas's 26th congressional district election

 
Nominee Michael C. Burgess Tim Barnwell
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 94,219 58,271
Percentage 60.2% 37.2%

County results
Burgess:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. Representative before election

Michael C. Burgess
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Michael C. Burgess
Republican

Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-Lewisville) was challenged by Democrat Tim Barnwell of Denton, along with Libertarian Rich Haas. The Denton County-centered district is strongly Republican.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 26
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Michael C. Burgess 94,219 60.21 -5.54
Democratic Tim Barnwell 58,271 37.24 +4.53
Libertarian Rich Haas 3,993 2.55 +1.02
Majority 35,948 22.97
Turnout 156,483
Republican hold Swing -10.07

District 27

2006 Texas's 27th congressional district election

 
Nominee Solomon Ortiz William Vaden
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 62,058 42,975
Percentage 56.8% 38.9%

County results
Ortiz:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Vaden:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Solomon Ortiz
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Solomon Ortiz
Democratic

Incumbent Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Corpus Christi) ran for reelection against Republican William Vaden, also of Corpus Christi. They were joined on the ballot by Libertarian Robert Powell.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 27
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Solomon P. Ortiz 62,058 56.77 -6.36
Republican William Vaden 42,538 38.91 +4.01
Libertarian Robert Powell 4,718 4.32 +2.35
Majority 19,520 17.86
Turnout 109,314
Democratic hold Swing -10.37

District 28

2006 Texas's 28th congressional district election

 
Nominee Henry Cuellar Frank Enriquez Ron Avery
Party Democratic Democratic Constitution
Popular vote 52,574 15,798 9,383
Percentage 67.6% 20.3% 12.1%

County results
Cuellar:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Enriquez:      50–60%

U.S. Representative before election

Henry Cuellar
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Henry Cuellar
Democratic

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) had no opposition from Republicans in November. However, a recent Supreme Court ruling struck down Texas' 23rd District, which is located next to this district, as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander resulting from the controversial 2003 Texas redistricting efforts coordinated by House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and the Republican-controlled legislature.

Cuellar's power base in Laredo was consolidated in the resulting remap and thus will not face Congressman Bonilla, as had been speculated as a scenario. This election was a special election, as the district was drawn after the party primaries, and Cuellar faced fellow Democrat Frank Enriquez and Constitution Party candidate Ron Avery. The Libertarian nominee did not re-file to run in the special election.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 28
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Henry Cuellar 52,574 67.61 +8.60
Democratic Frank Enriquez 15,798 20.32 +20.32
Constitution Ron Avery 9,383 12.07 +12.07
Majority 36,776 47.29
Turnout 77,755
Democratic hold Swing +26.88

District 29

Congressman Gene Green (D-Houston) ran against Republican Eric Story, also of Houston, in the November general election. Clifford Lee Messina, a Libertarian, rounded out the ballot. This district contains several heavily Hispanic neighborhoods in inner-city Houston, as well as several blue-collar eastern suburbs of Houston, including Pasadena, Channelview and Baytown, which are home to a strong majority of the Houston area's petrochemical refineries.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 29
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Gene Green 37,174 73.54 -20.60
Republican Eric Story 12,347 24.43 +24.43
Libertarian Clifford Lee Messina 1,029 2.04 -3.82
Majority 24,827 49.11
Turnout 50,550
Democratic hold Swing -39.17

District 30

Incumbent Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) faced Republican Wilson Aurbach in the general election, along with Ken Ashby, the Libertarian nominee. The 30th District contains the southern and downtown portions of Dallas, as well as several of its inner southern suburbs. It is heavily Democratic.

2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 30
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Eddie Bernice Johnson 81,212 80.19 -12.84
Republican Wilson Aurbach 17,820 17.60 +17.60
Libertarian Ken Ashby 2,245 2.22 -4.75
Majority 63,392 62.59
Turnout 101,277
Democratic hold Swing -23.47

District 31

2006 Texas's 31st congressional district election

 
Nominee John Carter Mary Beth Harrell
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 90,869 60,293
Percentage 58.5% 38.8%

County results
Carter :      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. Representative before election

John Carter
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

John Carter
Republican

Congressman John Carter (R-Round Rock) defended his Central Texas Congressional seat in November against Democrat Mary Beth Harrell of Gatesville and Libertarian Matt McAdoo. The largely Republican district consists of many northern Austin suburbs as well as the gigantic Fort Hood military base.

Endorsements

Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 31
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Carter 90,869 58.48 -6.29
Democratic Mary Beth Harrell 60,293 38.80 +6.35
Libertarian Matt McAdoo 4,221 2.72 -0.06
Majority 30,576 19.68
Turnout 155,383
Republican hold Swing -12.64

District 32

Incumbent Pete Sessions (R-Dallas), who defeated longtime Democratic Congressman and fellow incumbent Martin Frost in a contentious reelection in the 2004 redistricting aftermath, faced Democrat Will Pryor for the right to represent this suburban Dallas district. Joining the two was Libertarian John Hawley.

Endorsements

Will Pryor (D)
Individuals
2006 U.S. House election: Texas district 32
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Pete Sessions 71,461 56.48 +2.16
Democratic Will Pryor 52,269 41.27 -2.75
Libertarian John B. Hawley 2,922 2.31 +0.66
Majority 19,192 15.15
Turnout 126,562 -75,584
Republican hold Swing +4.85

References

  1. League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry, 457 F. Supp. 2d 716 (E.D. Tex. 2006).
  2. "History". redistricting.capitol.texas.gov. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  3. "2006 General Election". elections.sos.state.tx.us. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  4. "2006 Special November Elections". elections.sos.state.tx.us. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  5. "Special Runoff Election US Representative District 23". elections.sos.state.tx.us. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  6. "Dan Dodd (TX-3) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  7. "Glenn Melancon (TX-04) | WesPAC". November 4, 2006. Archived from the original on November 4, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  8. "David Harris (TX-06) | WesPAC". November 4, 2006. Archived from the original on November 4, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  9. "Chet Edwards (TX-17) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  10. Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006
  11. "Nick Lampson (TX-22) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  12. "Lukin Gilliland (TX-23) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  13. "Mary Beth Harrell (TX-31) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  14. "Will Pryor (TX-32) | WesPAC". October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
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