Candidates endorsed by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Friends of Agriculture (AGFUND), Inc. fared well in the primary election.
“We are very encouraged that most of the candidates endorsed by TFB AGFUND did well,” Russell Boening, president of TFB and AGFUND, said. “We need elected officials who bring strong leadership skills, accountability and an understanding of agriculture to the legislative arena.”
Overall, on election day, AGFUND-endorsed candidates showed 58 wins, five runoffs and seven losses.
In statewide races, AGFUND-backed candidates—including Governor Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick—won their races outright.
“Both Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick have worked to improve legislation for farmers, ranchers and landowners in our state,” Boening said. “Texas is growing increasingly urban, so it’s imperative that we have leaders who understand the needs and issues facing rural Texas.”
Boening also said Sen. Ted Cruz has been a pro-agriculture leader in Congress, helping pass legislation important for rural Texas.
Out of seven Texas Senate races, six AGFUND-endorsed candidates won their race.
In the Texas House, TFB AGFUND candidates had 39 wins, five losses and five will face runoffs.
“Some of our endorsed candidates faced a tough race,” Boening said. “Ernest Bailes and Lynn Stucky were targeted by outside groups, but both saw large wins in the primary.”
All AGFUND-endorsed candidates, including Rep. Mike Conaway, won their primaries outright in the Congressional races.
“Mike Conaway has been a champion for agriculture, rural Texas and landowners,” Boening said. “His continued support for agriculture will be crucial as we head into a year of farm bill negotiations.”
Texas Farm Bureau is the state’s largest organization of farm, ranch and rural families. AGFUND is its political action arm funded by voluntary donations from members.
Federal law prohibits Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND from soliciting contributions outside the restricted class. Contributions will be screened and those from persons outside the restricted class will be returned.
| Contact:
Gary Joiner
Director, Communications
254.399.5007 (Office)
254.315.3415 (Mobile)
254.772.1766 (Fax)
E-Mail: gjoiner@txfb.org |