Four Republicans Vie for Open Texas House Seat in Heavily Democratic District

Despite redistricting, Democrats still hold at least three-quarters of the votes in District 30.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:39pm

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While there are four Republican candidates in the Texas primary for U.S. House District 30, the chances of any of them winning the seat in the November general elections are very slim, as the district is predominantly Democratic. The district, located in Southern Dallas County, was redrawn last summer following the controversial redistricting vote in Texas, and now comprises the districts of incumbent Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Marc Veasey. Crockett is now running for U.S. Senate, and Veasey said he's not running for reelection because his home is now in District 33 and favors Republicans. Despite the movement and an open seat, Democrats still hold at least three-quarters of the votes in District 30.

Why it matters

The race for Texas's 30th Congressional District highlights the ongoing battle for political control in the state, as Republicans seek to make inroads in traditionally Democratic strongholds through redistricting. While the GOP candidates may have a chance in the primary, the district's strong Democratic lean makes it unlikely any of them will prevail in the general election.

The details

The four Republican candidates vying for the open seat are Sholdon Daniels, a criminal defense attorney and Army veteran; Gregorio Heise, a Navy veteran and businessman; Everett Jackson, a small business owner and community organizer; and Nils Walker, an IT professional. None of the candidates have prior political experience, but they are running on platforms that include supporting small businesses, securing the border, and defending traditional family values.

  • Last summer, the district was redrawn following the controversial redistricting vote in Texas.
  • Jasmine Crockett is now running for U.S. Senate, and Marc Veasey said he's not running for reelection because his home is now in District 33.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Incumbent Democratic Representative who is now running for U.S. Senate.

Marc Veasey

Incumbent Democratic Representative who is not running for reelection because his home is now in District 33.

Sholdon Daniels

Criminal defense attorney, Army veteran, and small business consultant running as a Republican.

Gregorio Heise

Navy veteran and businessman running as a Republican.

Everett Jackson

Small business owner and community organizer running as a Republican.

Nils Walker

IT professional running as a Republican.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not running to be a politician, I'm running to be a representative who listens, leads, and delivers for the people of North Texas. Together, we can reclaim our voice, restore our values, and secure a brighter future for our community.”

— Sholdon Daniels, Republican Candidate (Sholdon Daniels Campaign Website)

“I'm ready to fight for our Constitution, defend the American way of life, and restore common sense in our nation's Capital.”

— Gregorio Heise, Republican Candidate (Gregorio Heise Campaign Website)

The takeaway

The race for Texas's 30th Congressional District highlights the ongoing political dynamics in the state, as Republicans seek to make gains in traditionally Democratic areas through redistricting, even though the district's strong Democratic lean makes it unlikely any of the GOP candidates will prevail in the general election.