What leaders from both political parties have to say about the March primary

The March primary election in Harris County yielded several significant outcomes, including changes within the District Attorney’s Office. However, the focus of this election extended beyond mere results.

For years, Harris County’s elections have been embroiled in legal disputes involving state leaders, drawing considerable attention to the election process in the county.

“We consider this a resounding success,” remarked Derek Kelly, the chief of staff of the Harris County Democratic Party.

Cindy Siegel, chair of the Harris County Republican Party, concurred, stating, “It was a night and day difference from two years ago.”

Surprisingly, leaders from both major parties acknowledged that the election proceeded smoothly.

This election marked the first time Harris County conducted a joint primary, where both parties shared resources and personnel. The county clerk advocated for this change in January, citing the inability to hold separate primaries due to a new law mandating more polling places. Although the law was passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature, Siegel noted that it has resulted in unintended consequences.

“It’s not cost-effective. It doesn’t make sense,” she asserted.

Siegel expressed hope that legislators would reconsider the law during their next session.

Meanwhile, both parties will conduct another joint primary for May’s runoff election.

Dr. Michael Adams, a professor of political science at Texas Southern University and the founding director of the Institute on Voter and Civic Engagement, commented on the significance of primary elections in Texas, particularly given the state’s partisan divide.

“Because of the partisan divide in the state of Texas, the primaries are normally the real elections,” Adams explained. “Turnout was low in this primary,” Adams said, suggesting that neither national nor local candidates are currently inspiring voters for the November elections.

“It’s a choice between Tweedle-Dee and Tweddle-Dum, so you really don’t motivate people,” he remarked. “We saw Gen Z people stay at home. There was nothing really resonating out there.”