There won’t be much time left in the session before this race is finally decided.
Ina Minjarez
Two Democrats are advancing to a second round in the race to replace former state Rep. Jose Menendez in House District 124, likely adding a few weeks to the last in a series of special elections.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting late Tuesday, former Bexar County prosecutor Ina Minjarez led Delicia Herrera, a former member of the San Antonio City Council, 42 percent to 28 percent, in unofficial returns. Neither captured the majority needed to win outright in the four-way race.
The runoff will sharpen the contrast between Herrera and Minjarez, both of whom have talked up education and transportation throughout the abbreviated contest. Herrera benefits from relatively high name recognition — her city council district included part of HD-124 — while Minjarez has stood out for her fundraising ability.
Minjarez also received the endorsement of the Express News and Annie’s List. Turnout in this race was craptastic, but I expect that will improve for the runoff. I just hope it happens soon enough for the winner to be able to make a meaningful contribution in this session. The Express News has more.