Sen. Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) announced Friday that he will not seek re-election to his Senate District 29 seat. Shapleigh, who has served in the Texas Senate for the past 12 years, did not rule out a run for higher office. Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) has said that he considering running for the Senate seat but will instead continue his race to hold his House seat. Other rumored candidates include Rep. Norma Chavez (D-El Paso) and El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez.
Republican Dan Neil, a former offensive lineman for The University of Texas and former Denver Bronco, announced he will run for House District 48. Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin) currently represents House District 48.
Hopkins County Republican Party Chairman Erwin Cain announced that he will run against Rep. Mark Homer (D-Paris) for the House District 3 seat.
Republican James Bernsen, one of the announced candidates for House District 52, suspended his campaign and announced his support of Round Rock businessman Larry Gonzales for the Republican nomination. House District 52 is currently represented by Rep. Diana Maldonado (D-Round Rock).