Bexar County Parties Push For Final Turnout

Bexar County Democratic and Republican leaders held back from definitive predictions on Monday as they launched final get-out-the-vote drives ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. Both parties acknowledged the high stakes of the day, particularly in the Texas Senate race where Democrat James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton in most polls, according to the Texas Tribune.

The political climate in the region remains tense as the state attempts to break a long-standing trend. Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since the mid-1990s. However, the current cycle has drawn heavy spending and intense campaigning, turning the state into a competitive battleground. Early voting turnout statewide reached 40.6%, while Bexar County hit 39.7%. Both figures exceed the totals from the 2018 midterms, when Democrat Beto O'Rourke lost to then-Senator Ted Cruz by less than three points.

Michelle Lowe Solis, chairwoman of the Bexar County Democratic Party, expressed cautious optimism. She stated that the party feels confident in its local candidates but remains careful about statewide results. "We are feeling very cautiously optimistic about our chances for statewide. We feel very confident with our local Democrat elected and candidates. We feel cautiously optimistic about some of our congressional races as well," she said.

Lowe Solis emphasized the need for ground-level effort rather than passive expectation. When asked about her restrained tone, she noted, "We've been here before," and added that the party must work for a win rather than hope for one. She identified a specific turnout threshold as critical for success, estimating that Democrats need at least 60% turnout across the state to secure victory.

On the other side, Bexar County GOP Chairwoman Kris Coons described her mood as "very anxious" given the speculation of a blue wave. Her concerns were largely centered on the county's reliably blue electorate. Coons said she believes gaining even a few percentage points in Bexar County would constitute a victory. She reported feeling "solid" about three of the four congressional races and "hopefully very optimistic" about the newly redrawn 35th District.

Regarding statewide races, Coons said she feels "very good" but "not overly confident." She cited the strong track records of incumbents Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, and Dawn Buckingham, all of whom are seeking reelection. Paxton is also running. Coons argued that voters are unlikely to switch their choices for these high-profile offices solely based on party affiliation. "I can't imagine too many people would make a move, you know, on trying to switch that strictly just for party," she said.

Both parties are utilizing a mix of phone calls, text messages, and block walking to mobilize supporters. Coons called these efforts "everything" to the Republican strategy. In their final public appeals, the chairwomen focused on distinct economic and ideological themes. Coons advocated for capitalism, a strong military, and individual medical choices. She asked voters if they saw themselves moving toward "more socialized everything."

Lowe Solis focused on the cost of living, citing gas, grocery, and rent prices. She pointed out that Republicans currently hold every lever of power in the county and state. "And if you don't like what's going on, you need to vote, and you need to vote Democratic up and down the ballot," she said. Bexar County polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters in the county can cast ballots at any designated polling location during those hours. The outcome of these races will determine the balance of power in state government and key congressional seats following the redistricting changes.