Even though the general election is still seven months away, one state senator is already conceding defeat.
"After a great deal of thought, prayer, and consultation with family, friends, and supporters, I have decided to withdraw my name from the ballot for the State Senate District 10 race," State Sen. Beverly Powell said in a video posted to her Facebook page.
The Tarrant County Democrat cited the redrawn boundaries of her district in her decision to end her re-election bid, saying her challenges to the new maps have been unsuccessful.
"Our request for injunctive relief to halt the gerrymandered maps was recently denied. The new map lines as determined in SB-4 will be in effect for at least the November general election," said Sen. Powell. "Under the new map that will remain intact through November, the results of the 2022 election are predetermined."
Under the current map, Senate District 10 encompasses the southern half of Tarrant County, along with downtown Fort Worth, northwest Fort Worth, Colleyville, and Southlake.
The new map, which goes into effect Jan. 10, 2023, when the new legislature is sworn in, takes away downtown and northwest Fort Worth and the northeast suburbs, and it adds areas of Parker County, excluding much of Weatherford. It also adds Palo Pinto, Stephens, Shackelford, Callahan, and Brown counties in their entirety.
Powell says the new makeup of her district makes continuing her re-election bid untenable.
"I cannot in good faith ask my dedicated supporters to spend time and contribute precious resources on an unwinnable race," Powell said.
Powell's withdrawal leaves Republican Phil King, who is currently a state representative out of Parker County, as the only major party candidate left on the November ballot.
"Serving as your Texas State Senator has been the honor of my lifetime," Powell said. "Thank you for entrusting me with this sacred privilege."
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