Either way, the outcome of the Texas HD 70 race could signal a political shift in Collin County
One of the few competitive races in North Texas is in Collin County, traditionally a Republican stronghold.
Democrat Mihaela Plesa Texas is the incumbent in Texas House District 70. But Governor Greg Abbott says Republican Steve Kinard can turn it around. And since neither candidate can rely solely on their base for victory, they will have to approach their campaigns differently.
Plesa and Kinard courted voters wherever they could. Kinard went to a candidate forum at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
Plesa went to a Halloween fundraiser for local Democratic candidates last week. People decked out in spooky costumes gathered on a patio lit with string lights and jack-o-lanterns to hear the Democratic candidates.
Halloween is known for being scary. But Plesa told the crowd she's not afraid — even though Republicans have targeted her district this election.
“I said bring it, Greg Abbott, because we're not afraid of you,” she said.
Plesa was elected two years ago. She said things are different this campaign. Plesa has name recognition and a legislative record.
She was the first Democrat elected to the Collin County statehouse in decades when she won. But the race was close. It was decided by approximately 850 votes.
Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, said it is no coincidence that the seat is competitive. Republicans pushed their boundaries during redistricting to protect nearby Republican incumbents. Jillson said that still leaves a few seats, like House District 70, up for grabs.
It's different campaigning in an area that is more purple than solid red or blue. Jillson said it's a balancing act.
“You have to be a lot more thoughtful, a lot more careful about what you say and where you go,” he said.
Simply appealing to independent voters is not enough. The candidates still have to appeal to the base of their party. For Kinard, those are people on the Prestonwood Baptist Church forum, like Darlene Workman.
“He's conservative, he understands what faith, family and freedom are all about,” Workman said of Kinard.
The candidate forum was nonpartisan: Democrats and Republicans were invited. But most of the candidates present were conservative. Voters flocked to their tables in front of the forum.
On Kinard's table are red mini footballs and Hershey's Kisses to hand out to the children and brochures for the adults.
Kinard is a local businessman. He lives in Richardson with his wife and three children.
“I'm an entrepreneur and a father first and foremost,” Kinard said. “These are the discussions I have at the door. I have no leadership, I am the Republican guy.”
He said he campaigns on issues important to the community, such as crime and education. Kinard said these issues should not be partisan.
But he has taken positions that are popular among Republicans. Kinard said at the Prestonwood forum that he supports the state's abortion ban. He also supports what Abbott calls school choice.
“That's what I'm fighting for: school choice puts control back at the community level,” Kinard said.
Abbott's education plan would have allowed parents to use state funding for private education. But the last term failed to do so.
Plesa voted against Abbott's plan. She said school vouchers would derail public school funding. Plesa told supporters at the Halloween fundraiser that the state already doesn't spend enough on education.
“We have seen what defunding our public schools looks like, and it is on the horizon,” she said. “And that's why I'm such a fierce advocate for our public schools.”
Plesa also called on the crowd to take to the streets to campaign for her and other Democrats during the vote. Democrats in Collin County have suggested that Plesa's recent — and very narrow victory — could be a signal that the area is turning more purple. They hope other districts will soon follow suit.
Jillson said the state's demographics are changing. He said this could open the door for Democrats in previously solidly red districts — but it will take a while before the entire state turns blue.
“That happens to a few seats in each election cycle, so it takes a while for those to gather into one A Democratic threat to the majority in the Texas Legislature,” he said.
Kinard said he expects voters in the suburban district to swing toward the Republican Party. But Plesa said her bipartisan record in the Legislature will draw voters toward her.
Early voting ends next week. And the Election Day outcome could signal a political shift for Collin County — something both sides hope will be to their advantage.
Do you have a tip? Email Caroline Love at clove@kera.org.
Caroline Love is one Report for America corps member for KERA News.
KERA News is made possible by the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, please consider it making a tax-deductible donation Today. Thank you.