Kolkhorst, Gates running million dollar campaigns in state Senate Dist. 18 special election

In terms of money, the front-runners in Saturday's special election likely will spend at least $1 million each for a chance to win a Texas Senate seat.

State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, and Richmond businessman Gary Gates (R) are battling in a message war with million-dollar war chests to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Glenn Hegar, who resigned the state Senate District 18 seat to become Texas' next comptroller.

Their three other opponents are far behind on fundraising and spending, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

Kolkhorst raised $569,380.41 and spent $915,183.02 since July 1. Kolkhorst, who also fundraised as a candidate for re-election to the Texas House, has $449,319.13 in cash on hand as of the end of the reporting period.

Read more: https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2014/dec/03/kolkhorst-gates-running-million-dollar-campaigns/

[font color=green]There are two Democrats in the state Senate race. After reading their bios, I am leaning towards voting for Christian E. Hawkins. Her experience is provided at https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2014/nov/24/candidate-seeks-position-as-texas-state-senator-di/ .[/font]