With the Texas primary approaching on March 5, there are several key down-ballot races to keep an eye on. These races will ultimately determine the candidates who will face off in the general election for various important positions in the state. Let's take a closer look at two particularly significant contests.

1. The Battle for a Senate Seat
One of the most closely watched races is the Democratic primary for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz. The contenders are Representative Colin Allred from north Dallas and Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez from San Antonio.

Allred, a former NFL linebacker, gained attention in 2018 when he successfully flipped his district to blue. He is known for his formidable fundraising skills, having outraised Cruz in the latest quarter filing. On the other hand, Gutierrez, an immigration lawyer, has gained recognition for his advocacy on behalf of victims' families after the Uvalde school shooting in 2022. He has been a vocal proponent of stricter gun laws.

Both candidates emphasize their personal backgrounds as crucial elements shaping their priorities. Allred highlights his underprivileged upbringing in Dallas, raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Gutierrez proudly identifies as the child of Mexican immigrants and focuses on fighting for change in Texas communities.

The winner of the primary will face the challenge of unseating Cruz, a two-term incumbent with national name recognition. Both Allred and Gutierrez have criticized Cruz for his trip to Cancún during the statewide freeze in 2021 and his continued alignment with former President Donald Trump, especially in the wake of the January 6 insurrection.

2. The Battle in Texas' 18th Congressional District
In the Democratic primary for Texas' 18th Congressional District, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee is facing a strong challenge from Amanda Edwards, a former Houston Council member. Jackson Lee has held the seat for nearly three decades but is coming off a recent loss in the 2023 Houston mayoral election to John Whitmire.

Edwards, a young Black candidate, has garnered attention for her well-funded campaign, which has surpassed Jackson Lee's in terms of financial resources. The age difference between the two candidates could be a point of contention, as Edwards is around three decades younger than Jackson Lee.

While Jackson Lee has the advantage of name recognition, a recent endorsement from President Joe Biden, and an established history of public service, her loss in the mayoral election might give voters pause in the upcoming primary. This could provide an opportunity for Edwards to gain ground and emerge as a formidable challenger.

As primary day approaches, these down-ballot races are drawing attention from local and national observers. The outcomes will shape the future political landscape in Texas and could have broader implications for the country.