By Dallas Morning News Editorial. Michael Wood, 34, set himself apart in a huge field of 23 candidates that will likely result in a runoff to fill the seat of late Congressman Ron Wright, who died of COVID in February. Wood is a Fort Worth businessman and military veteran who we think embodies key conservative principles of limited government, low taxes, reducing debt, reforming entitlement programs, religious liberty, free trade and support of Second Amendment rights. But what sets him apart from other Republicans is his willingness to tackle hard truths about his own party.
Get smart opinions on the topics North Texans care about. Or with:. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Nine Republicans, 10 Democrats, a Libertarian and an independent round out the race. This district, which includes historic Oak Cliff, embodies the tension around gentrification.
Giovanni Valderas, 42, is a worthy challenger. An artist who grew up in Oak Cliff, Valderas is intimately acquainted with the challenges that working-class families face. Sana Syed, 38, is a former public information officer for Dallas with a deep understanding of how City Hall functions. She has a background in urban planning, with a doctorate in the field.
She has also worked in raising awareness of the fight against human trafficking. Dallas Park Board vice chair Jesse Moreno, 36, is a worthy opponent. He enjoys the backing of the Medrano family, which has held this seat on the council for 16 years. Attorney Raha Assadi, 29, community organizer Jennifer Cortez, 34, and consultant Michael Fetzer, 27, round out this field.
Incumbent Casey Thomas, 48, has put in the work to earn a third term. Challenger Irby Foster, 54, is a small business owner who understands the challenges facing this district but whose proposed solutions are not fiscally realistic.
