2014 United States Senate election in Texas explained

Election Name:	2014 United States Senate election in Texas
Country:	Texas
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2008 United States Senate election in Texas
Previous Year:	2008
Next Election:	2020 United States Senate election in Texas
Next Year:	2020
Election Date:	November 4, 2014
Turnout:	33.1%
Image1:	File:John Cornyn official senate portrait.jpg
Nominee1:	John Cornyn
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	2,861,531
Percentage1:	61.56%
Nominee2:	David Alameel
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	1,597,387
Percentage2:	34.36%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	John Cornyn
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	John Cornyn
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

The 2014 United States Senate election in Texas was held on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate. Incumbent Republican senator and Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn ran for re-election to a third term. Primary elections were held on March 4, 2014. Since no Democratic candidate received over 50% in the first round of the primary, a runoff election was required on May 27, 2014. David Alameel, who came in first in the primary, won the runoff and became his party's nominee. In the general election, Cornyn defeated Alameel in a landslide.

Republican primary

In February 2014, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was featured in a controversial television advertisement by Dwayne Stovall. Stovall belittled McConnell, Cornyn's superior in the Senate leadership, as an ineffective "Beltway turtle" who is out-of-touch with the party rank-and-file.^[1] Until the controversial advertisement, the media had largely ignored Stovall's candidacy.

Candidates

Declared

• Curt Cleaver, hotel industry consultant and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2012^[2]
• Ken Cope, aerospace executive and retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel^[2]
• John Cornyn, incumbent U.S. Senator^[3]
• Chris Mapp, businessman^[4]
• Reid Reasor, Tea Party activist^[5]
• Steve Stockman, U.S. Representative^[6]
• Dwayne Stovall, bridge construction contractor, school board member from Cleveland and candidate for the State House of Representatives in 2012^[7]
• Linda Vega, attorney and immigration activist^[8]

Withdrew

• Erick Wyatt, U.S. Army veteran^[9]

Declined

• Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General (running for Governor)^[10]
• David Barton, author, minister and former vice chair of the Republican Party of Texas^[11]
• David Dewhurst, Lieutenant Governor of Texas (running for re-election)^{[12] [13]}
• Louie Gohmert, U.S. Representative (running for re-election)^[14]
• Debra Medina, activist and candidate for Governor in 2010 (ran for Comptroller of Public Accounts)^[15]

Polling

Poll source				Curt Cleaver	Ken Cope	John Cornyn	Chris Mapp	Reid Reasor	Steve Stockman	Dwayne Stovall	Linda Vega	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[16]	November 1–4, 2013	388	± 4.4%	—	—		41%	—	—	18%	—	—	—		44%
align=left	Wilson Perkins Allen^[17]	December 13, 2013	762	± 3.6%	—	—		50%	—	—	6%	—	—	5%	39%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[18]	February 10–12, 2014	729	± 3.6%	—	—		43%	—	—	28%	—	—	—	29%
align=left	UoT/Texas Tribune^[19]	February 7–17, 2014	461	± 4.56%	1%	4%		62%	3%	3%	16%	4%	7%	—	—

Poll source				John Cornyn	conservative	Undecided
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[20]	October 26, 2013	563	± 3%	33%		46%	21%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 1–4, 2013	388	± 4.4%	33%		49%	18%

Poll source				John Cornyn	David Barton	Rafael Cruz	Louie Gohmert	Ron Paul	Rick Perry	Steve Stockman	Undecided
align=left	UoT/Texas Tribune	October 18–27, 2013	519	± 5.02%	25%	—		41%	—	18%	—	3%	13%
35%	—	—	—	—		46%	—	20%
34%	—	—	—		44%	—	—	22%
	40%	—	—	31%	—	—	—	29%
	39%	—	33%	—	—	—	—	28%
align=left rowspan=5	Public Policy Polling	November 1–4, 2013	388	± 4.4%		51%	18%	—	—	—	—	—	31%

Results

Because Cornyn surpassed a majority in the primary, he faced no runoff election.^[22] Cornyn's winning percent and margin of victory were the lowest by any Texas Republican U.S. Senator in a primary election in state history.^[23]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• David Alameel, businessman and candidate for Texas's 33rd congressional district in 2012^[24]
• Michael Fjetland, businessman, Independent candidate for Texas's 22nd congressional district in 2004 and Republican candidate for the seat in 2006^[25]
• HyeTae "Harry" Kim, physician^[24]
• Kesha Rogers, Worldwide LaRouche Youth Movement activist and nominee for Texas's 22nd congressional district in 2010 and 2012^[26]
• Maxey Scherr, attorney^[27]

Declined

• Wendy Davis, state senator (running for governor)^[28]
• Bill White, former mayor of Houston and nominee for governor in 2010^[29]

Results

Because no candidate received over 50% of the vote in the primary, the two with the most votes – David Alameel and Kesha Rogers – advanced to a runoff on May 27.^[30]

Libertarian convention

Candidates

Declared

• Rebecca Paddock, electrical engineer^[31]
• Tanuja Paruchuri, holistic wellness coach^[31]
• Jon Roland, computer programmer and nominee for Texas Attorney General in 2002, 2006 and 2010^[31]

Results

Rebecca Paddock won the nomination.

Green nomination

Candidates

Declared

• Emily Marie Sanchez^[32]

Results

Sanchez won the nomination.

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report^[34]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball^[35]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Rothenberg Political Report^[36]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Real Clear Politics^[37]		November 3, 2014

Polling

Poll source				John Cornyn (R)	David Alameel (D)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[38]	April 10–13, 2014	559	± 4.1%		49%	32%	—	20%
align=left	UoT/Texas Tribune^[39]	May 30 – June 8, 2014	1,200	± 2.83%		36%	25%	13%^[40]	26%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[41]	July 5–24, 2014	4,353	± 3.7%		52%	35%	3%	10%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[42]	August 4–5, 2014	4,353	± 3.0%		47%	29%	6%	19%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[43]	August 18 – September 2, 2014	4,189	± 2%		55%	39%	3%	8%
align=left	Texas Lyceum^[44]	September 11–25, 2014	666	± 3.8%		48%	30%	8%^[45]	14%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[46]	September 20 – October 1, 2014	4,177	± 2%		55%	35%	1%	9%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 1–2, 2014	840	± 3.5%		50%	29%	6%	15%
align=left	UoT/Texas Tribune^[47]	October 10–19, 2014	866	± 3.6%		57%	31%	12%^[48]	—
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov	October 16–23, 2014	3,987	± 3%		57%	35%	1%	8%

With Castro

Poll source				John Cornyn (R)	Julian Castro (D)	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[49]	January 24–27, 2012	500	± 4.4%		48%	41%	11%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[50]	June 28 – July 1, 2013	500	± 4.4%		50%	37%	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 1–4, 2013	500	± 4.4%		49%	35%	17%

With Davis

Poll source				John Cornyn (R)	Wendy Davis (D)	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	January 24–27, 2012	500	± 4.4%		48%	37%	14%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	June 28 – July 1, 2013	500	± 4.4%		48%	40%	12%

With Parker

Poll source				John Cornyn (R)	Annise Parker (D)	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	January 24–27, 2012	500	± 4.4%		47%	36%	16%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	June 28 – July 1, 2013	500	± 4.4%		49%	36%	15%

With White

Poll source				John Cornyn (R)	Bill White (D)	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	January 24–27, 2012	500	± 4.4%		45%	42%	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	June 28 – July 1, 2013	500	± 4.4%		47%	40%	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 1–4, 2013	500	± 4.4%		44%	39%	17%

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Bexar (largest municipality: San Antonio)
• Culberson (largest municipality: Van Horn)
• Harris (largest municipality: Houston)
• Kenedy (largest municipality: Sarita)
• Kleberg (largest municipality: Kingsville)
• La Salle (largest municipality: Cotulla)
• Reeves (largest municipality: Pecos)
• Brewster (largest city: Alpine)
• Uvalde (largest city: Uvalde)
• Nueces (largest municipality: Corpus Christi)
• Val Verde (largest municipality: Del Rio)
• Jefferson (largest city: Beaumont)
• Hudspeth (largest city: Fort Hancock)

See also

• 2014 United States Senate elections
• 2014 United States elections
• 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas
• 2014 Texas gubernatorial election

External links

Official campaign websites (Archived)

• John Cornyn
• David Alameel
• Curt Cleaver
• Michael Fjetland
• Chris Mapp
• Reid Reasor
• Kesha Rogers
• Jon Roland
• Maxey Scherr
• Steve Stockman
• Dwayne Stovall
• Linda Vega
• Rebecca Paddock
• U.S. Senate elections in Texas, 2014 at Ballotpedia
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets

Notes and References

1. News: Samantha Lachman, "GOP Senate Candidate Calls Mitch McConnell 'Beltway Turtle' in Anti-Cornyn Ad", February 14, 2014 . . February 16, 2014 . February 14, 2014.
2. Web site: Filing ends, ballot set for 2014 election . Roll Call . Tinsley . Anna M. . December 9, 2013 . December 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131212213322/http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/09/5405624/the-ballot-is-set-for-the-2014.html . December 12, 2013 . dead .
3. Web site: John Cornyn Airs First Re-Election Campaign Spot . Roll Call . October 7, 2013 . November 24, 2013 . December 3, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131203115607/http://atr.rollcall.com/john-cornyn-airs-first-ad-of-re-election-campaign/ . dead .
4. Web site: A Local Man Plans on Running for U.S. Senate . Crossroads Today . November 13, 2013 . November 24, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231918/http://www.crossroadstoday.com/content/news/local/story/A-Local-Man-Plans-on-Running-for-U-S-Senate/7Tqid4D4y0yCnCZUeXbRQQ.cspx?rss=3671 . December 2, 2013 . dead .
5. News: Democrat Alameel Will Run for Cornyn's Senate Seat . The Texas Tribune . Alexa Ura . November 29, 2013 . December 10, 2013.
6. Web site: 2014 Republican Party Primary Election. https://web.archive.org/web/20140109062336/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe. dead. January 9, 2014.
7. Web site: U.S. Senate hopeful addresses Lone Star Patriots of Leon County . Leon County Today . June 4, 2013 . July 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130724010011/http://www.leoncountytoday.com/news/2013-06-04/News/US_Senate_hopeful_addresses_Lone_Star_Patriots_of_.html . July 24, 2013 . dead .
8. News: Attorney Vega challenging Cornyn in GOP primary . . October 23, 2013 . October 23, 2013.
9. Web site: Krehbiel . Randy . Hope springs eternal in U.S. Senate primaries . tulsaworld.com . Tulsa World . 8 February 2020.
10. Web site: Reilly . Molly . Greg Abbott Launches Texas Governor Campaign For 2014 . huffpost.com . July 14, 2013 . Verizon Media . 9 February 2020.
11. Web site: Kopan . Tal . David Barton won't run against John Cornyn . Politico . November 6, 2013.
12. Web site: Stutz . Terrence . David Dewhurst '101 percent' sure he'll seek re-election as Texas lieutenant governor . Dallasnews.com . January 4, 2013 . July 8, 2013 . April 3, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403173952/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130104-david-dewhurst-101-percent-sure-hell-seek-re-election-as-texas-lieutenant-governor.ece . dead .
13. News: Dewhurst affirms re-election campaign . Associated Press . KTRK-TV Houston . August 7, 2013 . August 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130911140411/http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Fstate&id=9199062 . September 11, 2013 . dead . mdy-all .
14. Web site: Gohmert v. Cornyn . Paul . Burka . August 8, 2013 . August 9, 2013 . Texas Monthly.
15. Web site: Latinas Will Be Front And Center In Races For Top Political Posts In Texas Next Year . foxnews.com . December 21, 2016 . FOX News Network, LLC. . 9 February 2020.
16. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_TX_1106.pdf Public Policy Polling
17. http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/john-cornyn-steve-stockman-poll-101149.html Wilson Perkins Allen
18. http://gravismarketing.com/polling-and-market-research/texas-telephone-poll-stockman-gaining-against-cornyn-in-primary-battle/ Gravis Marketing
19. http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/documents/utttpoll-201402-1summary.pdf UoT/Texas Tribune
20. http://gravismarketing.com/gravis-marketing-poll-ivr/ Gravis Marketing
21. http://www.texastribune.org/2013/11/04/uttt-poll-governor-race-abbott-leads-davis-6/ UoT/Texas Tribune
22. News: Republican Cornyn Wins Primary in Texas Over Tea Party Foe . McCormick . John . March 5, 2014 . bloomberg.com . March 6, 2014.
23. Web site: Cornyn Records Weakest Ever Primary Win for Texas GOP US Senator . Smart Politics . Eric . Ostermeier . March 5, 2014.
24. News: Dallas dentist David Alameel brings big fortune to U.S. Senate race . Todd J. . Gillman . Dallas Morning News. December 2, 2013 . December 5, 2013.
25. Web site: Republican turned Democrat runs for Cornyn's Senate seat . blog.chron.com . November 22, 2013 . November 24, 2013.
26. Web site: Anti-Obama Democrat Kesha Rogers files for U.S. Senate . . Nick . Swartsell . December 6, 2013 . December 8, 2013 . December 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131209013552/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/anti-obama-democrat-kesha-rogers-files-for-u-s-senate.html/ . dead .
27. Web site: Democratic Candidates . Texpatriate . October 28, 2013 . October 28, 2013.
28. Web site: Catherine Thompson . Texas governor race 2014: Wendy Davis: I will run for reelection or governor . Politico . August 5, 2013 . August 6, 2013.
29. News: Bill White says Texas lagging in skilled jobs . Houston Chronicle . February 28, 2013 . July 9, 2013.
30. Web site: Alameel, Rogers Advance to Texas Senate Runoff . Weissert . Will . March 5, 2014 . abcnews.go.com . ABC News . March 6, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317185929/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/texas-democrats-nominate-alameel-us-senate-22778098 . March 17, 2014 . dead .
31. Web site: 2014 Federal Candidates . Libertarian Party of Texas . December 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131215021444/http://www.lptexas.org/federal-candidates . December 15, 2013 . dead .
32. Web site: Texas Greens Occupy Ballot In 2014 . Green Party . December 10, 2013 . January 29, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201221613/http://www.gp.org/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/details/4/662.html . February 1, 2014 . dead . mdy-all .
33. https://www.c-span.org/video/?322319-1/texas-senate-debate C-SPAN
34. Web site: 2014 Senate Race Ratings for November 3, 2014 . The Cook Political Report . September 20, 2018.
35. Web site: The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks . Sabato's Crystal Ball . November 3, 2014 . September 20, 2018.
36. Web site: 2014 Senate Ratings . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report . September 20, 2018.
37. Web site: 2014 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2014 . Real Clear Politics . September 20, 2018.
38. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_TX_415.pdf Public Policy Polling
39. http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/documents/uttt-jun2014-summary-all.pdf UoT/Texas Tribune
40. Rebecca Paddock (L) 5%, Emily Marie Sanchez (G) 3%, Other 5%
41. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2014-midterms-republicans-narrowly-favored-to-capture-senate-in-november/ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
42. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2014/texas/election_2014_texas_senate Rasmussen Reports
43. https://today.yougov.com/news/2014/09/07/battleground-tracker-2014-texas/ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
44. http://www.texaslyceum.org/assets/cms/uploads/files/2014%20Poll%20Day%202%20news%20release%20FINAL.pdf Texas Lyceum
45. Rebecca Paddock (L) 4%, Emily Marie Sanchez (G) 4%
46. http://today.yougov.com/news/2014/09/07/senate-races-battleground-tracker/ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
47. http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/documents/uttt-oct14-summary-2.pdf UoT/Texas Tribune
48. Rebecca Paddock (L) 7%, Emily Marie Sanchez (G) 5%
49. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_TX_130.pdf Public Policy Polling
50. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_TX_703.pdf Public Policy Polling