Texas
Tarrant County Republicans fight to keep control of Texas’ largest GOP county
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FORT WORTH — Eight years after voting for Gov. Greg Abbott, Angela Martinez discovered herself ready in line Tuesday to snap a photograph with Beto O’Rourke, his challenger on this yr’s nail-biting gubernatorial contest.
Martinez, a 33-year-old marketer for a pediatric house well being company, has by no means recognized as strictly liberal or conservative, she mentioned, and typically looks like “a strolling contradiction.” If there’s a spot for her on the standard political spectrum, she hasn’t discovered it. When she voted for Abbott in 2014, Martinez recognized with what she noticed because the then-attorney basic’s Christian household values.
However since then, Martinez has soured on Abbott. She feels Abbott didn’t do sufficient within the wake of the lethal winter freeze in February 2021 to forestall the state’s electrical grid from collapsing ought to a equally catastrophic climate occasion hit Texas sooner or later. As somebody who values “the sanctity of life,” Martinez is uneasy concerning the state’s blanket ban on abortions that took impact after the Supreme Courtroom overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this yr.
“My mom had the liberty (to hunt an abortion), my aunts had the liberty,” Martinez mentioned whereas ready to satisfy O’Rourke on the College of North Texas Well being Science Heart in Fort Value. “Why shouldn’t we?”
Voters in Tarrant County, the state’s final main city county dominated by Republicans, simply barely broke for Democrats on the prime of the ticket within the final two elections — O’Rourke gained there throughout his 2018 Senate bid and so did President Joe Biden two years in the past — stoking Democrats’ hopes that the trail to the governor’s mansion, and the tip of their decadeslong exile from statewide workplace, goes via Tarrant. Boosting these hopes is infighting this yr amongst Tarrant County Republicans — who insist the occasion is united.
The yr that O’Rourke carried Tarrant throughout his near-miss bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Abbott gained the county by greater than 66,000 votes and practically 11 proportion factors — outperforming each different statewide Republican on the ticket.
4 years later, Abbott’s crew is “assured” the governor will win Tarrant County as soon as extra, Abbott’s chief strategist Dave Carney told reporters last week whereas acknowledging the county is aggressive. “It’s going to be a battle,” Carney mentioned.
At his marketing campaign cease on the UNT Well being Science Heart, O’Rourke expressed optimism that 125,000 individuals who have been added to the county’s voter rolls since he ran in 2018, mixed with discontent over the ability grid failure throughout final yr’s winter storm, the state’s abortion ban and Abbott’s response to high school shootings would assist ship him the county.
“Abbott has given us an enormous, enormous opening” in Tarrant County, O’Rourke mentioned. “So many individuals are on the lookout for the widespread floor and the widespread sense that’s been lacking from our state authorities.”
However as Democrats categorical optimism due to O’Rourke and Biden’s victories, Republicans proceed to dominate down-ballot races in Tarrant County — an indication of the GOP’s enduring dominance right here.
“They’ve now slightly little bit of historical past that means that Democrats would possibly have the ability to win in Tarrant County,” mentioned James Riddlesperger, a political science professor at Texas Christian College. “Alternatively, there has not been a countywide Democrat elected for county workplace in Tarrant County on this century.”
Earlier within the yr, Democrats appeared primed to beat expectations {that a} president’s occasion will get pummeled throughout the midterm elections — bouyed by surprisingly excessive ballot numbers within the wake of the Supreme Courtroom ruling on abortion rights earlier this yr. However that lead evaporated amid excessive inflation and Biden’s persistently low approval rankings.
That bodes effectively for Republicans’ probabilities to carry onto Tarrant, mentioned Rick Barnes, Tarrant County Republican Celebration chair.
“It’s not a great time to be a Democratic candidate, due to this fact not a great time for Beto in Texas,” Barnes mentioned.
“My financial savings simply retains getting smaller and smaller”
Jaynell Sharum, a 73-year-old retiree who final labored for a Fort Value regulation agency, mentioned she and her husband have needed to make sacrifices as the price of gasoline and meals have gone up — for which she blames Democrats. Sharum and her husband don’t exit to eat as a lot as they used to, she mentioned, and at house have in the reduction of on how a lot meat they purchase from the grocery retailer.
Although the USA isn’t the one nation experiencing speedy inflation, economists have laid among the blame on federal stimulus funds that helped overheat the financial system.
Sharum plans to vote Republican up and down the poll, although she fears a “exhausting touchdown subsequent yr” for the financial system even when Republicans meet projections and retake the U.S. Home.
“I feel what they (Democrats) are doing is simply making it worse,” Sharum mentioned at a Republican Girls of Arlington assembly final week. “We’re going to have to chop again, the federal government’s going to have to chop again on their spending and it’s gonna be exhausting on everyone. But when we don’t chew the bullet now, I don’t know what it’s gonna be like in one other yr — besides that my financial savings simply retains getting smaller and smaller.”
Some conservatives who’ve chafed at a few of Abbott’s strikes mentioned they nonetheless plan to vote for him. Kaye Moreno, a member of Fort Value Republican Girls, mentioned she disagreed with how lengthy Abbott saved in place measures like masks mandates and occupancy restrictions for companies supposed to gradual the unfold of COVID-19 — guidelines that had been deeply unpopular among the many Republican base.
“There could also be some issues that I’ve disagreed with Abbott on right here and there, however not sufficient to say that I might by no means vote for him,” Moreno mentioned. “I’m fairly pleased with him.”
Democrats, in the meantime, are betting they will peel off sufficient average Republicans disaffected by the occasion’s rightward shift within the final 4 years to interrupt their decadeslong exile from statewide workplace — and maybe countywide workplace in Tarrant as effectively.
Scott White, a 55-year-old former managing director for Accenture who lives in Grapevine, mentioned previously he persistently voted Republican with few exceptions: He voted for the Libertarian Celebration candidate slightly than former President Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton and for Biden in 2020.
However this yr, White mentioned he voted straight Democratic — a reversal sparked partially by his opposition to the state’s whole abortion ban, which he known as “past appalling.” And he thinks Abbott, who he has voted for twice, has grown too obsessive about “pulling stunts” slightly than working to handle points head-on — referring to Abbott’s busing of migrants to so-called sanctuary cities like New York Metropolis and Chicago.
“They (Republicans) was once a celebration of average conservatives that had a radical proper that was just about underneath management,” White mentioned. “That’s just about flipped now and the moderates not have any energy and it’s simply this radical proper crowd and the propaganda machine. That’s what they’re left with.”
GOP civil struggle?
A part of Democrats’ hopes relaxation on a perceived rift between the county’s conventional class of extra average, business-friendly Republicans and the occasion’s proper wing.
Voters in a contentious GOP major for county choose, the county’s prime elected place, handed over Betsy Value — who served as Fort Value mayor for 10 years and is taken into account extra of a centrist — for Tim O’Hare, the previous Farmers Department mayor who in 2008 ushered in an ordinance forbidding landlords from renting to undocumented immigrants, which a federal courtroom later dominated unconstitutional. O’Hare, who drew the backing of Trump, additionally co-founded Southlake Households PAC, which efficiently opposed a plan to handle racial discrimination at a college district in northeast Tarrant County.
However the county’s prime Republicans haven’t solidified behind O’Hare. Tarrant County Choose Glen Whitley, a Republican who shouldn’t be in search of reelection, shouldn’t be backing O’Hare as his would-be successor — and Value has implored fellow Republicans to not simply vote for candidates as a result of they’ve an “R” subsequent to their identify on the poll. Nonetheless, Whitley and Value haven’t endorsed O’Hare’s Democratic opponent — Deborah Peoples, a retired AT&T govt and former chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Celebration.
“I actually imagine that Republicans, independents and even average Democrats are extra targeted on the problems that impression them on a day-to-day foundation,” mentioned Whitley, who has backed Democrat Mike Collier in his bid to unseat Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “That’s property taxes, that is schooling, that’s the financial system. They’re not as involved about (essential race concept) and the assorted points that the extremes need to concentrate on.”
For O’Hare, speak of stark GOP divisions in Tarrant County are overblown.
“Yeah, there was a contentious major and other people picked their sides,” O’Hare mentioned. “However we got here out on prime and we gained Fort Value outright. We gained the remainder of the county outright. The concept there’s some civil struggle, I feel, is simply not correct.”
That hasn’t stopped Peoples from attempting to select off Republicans probably turned off by O’Hare.
Peoples gained the backing of Steve Murrin, a widely known Republican and businessman generally known as the “mayor of the Stockyards.” She’s sought to solid herself as a business-friendly Democrat who can shepherd the county’s progress by way of expanded public transit and infrastructure — and painting O’Hare’s involvement with the Southlake Households PAC as a possible hindrance for attracting new companies to Tarrant.
“Corporations worth variety,” Peoples mentioned. “So when you’ve gotten any person who’s saying ‘I don’t worth variety,’ that form of smacks within the face of what many of those corporations try to do.”
O’Hare, who additionally has campaigned on slicing property taxes and boosting public security, dismissed Peoples’ assertion as “a false narrative, which is just about her specialty” and touted endorsements from Fort Value actual property developer Mike Berry and outstanding lawyer Dee Kelly Jr.
O’Hare has trounced Peoples, who twice ran unsuccessfully for Fort Value mayor, in fundraising — gathering practically $602,000 from July 1 to Sept. 29, in accordance with his newest marketing campaign finance report. That’s practically six occasions the $102,000 Peoples raised in the identical interval.
“The Fort Value enterprise group — the ‘downtown crowd,’ typically they’re known as — they’ve gotten behind me huge,” O’Hare mentioned. “We’re very assured that Republicans are behind me in vital numbers.”
Disclosure: Accenture, AT&T, Texas Christian College, College of North Texas and UNT Well being Science Heart have been monetary supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partially by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no position within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full listing of them right here.
Texas
I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.
I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.
After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”
A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway
I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.
We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.
After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.
Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.
The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.
Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.
After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.
Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage
Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.
You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.
After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.
A morning of local retail therapy
The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.
Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.
For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.
Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene
While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.
Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Don’t miss this family-run farmstand
Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.
Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”
You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.
It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.
Texas
Where is Texas vs. Arizona? Peach Bowl game location info, details, CFP schedule
Texas vs. Clemson: Quinn Ewers, Hayden Conner react to CFP win
Texas defeated Clemson, 38-24, in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Texas football is preparing to face the champion of its old conference in the College Football Playoff, with Big 12 champion Arizona State awaiting in the Peach Bowl.
Texas was tested in the first round, defeating Clemson 34-24 behind a rejuvenated running attack led by Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. However, the Sun Devils, winners of six straight games, also have a fierce rushing attack led by running back Cam Skattebo, who has run for 1,568 yards rushing and 22 total touchdowns.
BUY TICKETS FOR TEXAS VS. ARIZONA STATE HERE
The Peach Bowl is held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the same site of Texas’ loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The winner will advance to the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State or Big Ten champion Oregon will await. Ohio State advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Tennessee at home, 42-17.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming game:
Where is Texas vs Arizona State?
Texas will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Arizona State. It is also the location of the national championship game.
CFP Bowl locations
Peach Bowl
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Matchup: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State
Fiesta Bowl
Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State
Sugar Bowl
Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Rose Bowl
Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Matchup: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon
Texas vs. Arizona State tickets
Tickets for Texas’ game against Arizona State are available here.
CFP schedule
Playoff quarterfinals
All times in CT
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Fiesta Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Peach Bowl, noon
Rose Bowl, 4 p.m.
Sugar Bowl, 7:45 p.m.
Playoff semifinals
All times in CT
Thursday, Jan. 9
Orange Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Cotton Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Playoff Championship
Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT
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Texas
Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Preview
The Texas Longhorns are three games away from a national championship, and for the quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, the Horns will travel to a familiar field.
Texas will take on the Sun Devils at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue that hosted the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.
The new opponents have a similar story to Texas: a conference newcomer that dominated the veterans.
Arizona State joined Texas’ former conference, the Big 12, and had a breakthrough season. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State in the conference championship to take the trophy home in their maiden season.
The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State. Leavitt has recorded 192 completions in 304 passing attempts for 24 touchdowns.
The defense is also led by a transfer player out of New Mexico State. Junior defensive back Myles Rowser has recorded 88 tackles and one sack.
Arizona State only dropped two games this season, both in conference play at Cincinnati and Texas Tech. The season record and championship clinch earned the Sun Devils the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, awarding them with a bye week in the first round.
Texas, on the other hand, fell to Georgia in the championship game and dropped to the fifth seed, while the Bulldogs earned the second. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Longhorns from advancing.
The Horns had no issues defeating ACC champion Clemson in the first round at home.
Texas and Arizona State will face each other on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinals.
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