The 2018 midterm elections are here! And while most Texans are focused on the race for the U.S. Senate seat, many other positions are up for grabs, especially in the state government. Here’s a look at the duties of some these positions.
GOVERNOR
The Governor of Texas serves as the “chief executive of the state” and is responsible for signing or vetoing bills passed by the Legislature, serving as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces and appointing Texans to state offices that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government, among other things.
Incumbent: R-Greg Abbott
Challengers: D-Lupe Valdez, L-Mark Tippetts
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The Lt. Governor chairs the Texas Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Legislative Council, which gives him or her a strong voice in public policy.
As the chair of the Legislative Budget Board, the Lt. Gov. oversees the development of legislative appropriations for agencies of the state government.
Overseeing the Legislative Council, the Lt. Gov., “assists legislators in drafting and analyzing proposed legislation and in obtaining information on specific legislative problems and on matters affecting the general welfare of the state,” according to the Texas Legislative Council.
Incumbent: R-Dan Patrick
Challengers: D-Mike Collier, L-Kerry McKennon
ATTORNEY GENERAL
The Texas Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer. He defends the State of Texas and its duly enacted laws, secures justice for Texans by investigating and prosecuting criminal activities and safeguards the freedoms of Texans as guaranteed by the U.S. and Texas constitutions.
Incumbent: R-Ken Paxton
Challengers: D-Justin Nelson, L-Michael Ray Harris
COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
The major duties of the office are keeping accounts of state funds, acting as tax administrator and collector for the state, and furnishing research and statistics for estimating revenue. The comptroller submits financial reports to the governor and the legislature with statements on the previous fiscal year, outstanding appropriations, and estimates of anticipated revenue.
Incumbent: R-Glenn Hegar
Challengers: D-Joi Chevalier, L-Ben Sanders
COMMISSIONER OF GENERAL LAND OFFICE
The Land Commissioner’s primary responsibility is to raise money for public schools by selling and preserving land in Texas that is not being used or hasn’t been allocated for use.
Incumbent: R-George P. Bush
Challengers: D-Miguel Suazo, L-Matt Pina
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees four main areas: consumer protection, production agriculture, healthy living and economic development.
The Agriculture Commissioner also regulates the National Breakfast and lunch program for the students of Texas. Regarding the economic development sector, the commissioner provides tools for communities to attract businesses, administers the Certified Retirement Community program and markets Texas products.
Incumbent: R-Sid Miller
Challengers: D-Kim Olson, L-Richard Carpenter
RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS
Instead, the Railroad Commission of Texas primarily handles everything fuel-related. Several divisions of the commission hold various responsibilities, including regulating fuel prices, overseeing the nation’s largest pipeline infrastructure and operating programs relating to the use of alternative fuels.
Incumbent: R-Christi Craddick
Challengers: D-Roman McAllen, L-Mike Wright
Photos courtesy of Creative Commons