Key Races in Dallas and Collin Counties Will Set Tone for 2018 Elections

With less than eight months before the 2018 primary elections, campaigns are taking shape across North Texas.Several themes are developing: Will Democrats' anti-Trump furor translate into votes? How intense will the primaries be in Collin and Dallas counties?The following contests will answer both questions.Dallas County House racesThe ongoing redistricting dispute could determine the fate of several Dallas County state House seats. In a federal trial that starts next month, Democrats are banking that the court will redraw or order new House maps to replace ones that judges say intentionally discriminated against minority voters. Vestiges of the 2011 maps still exist in the current boundaries.Most minority voters in Dallas County support Democrats, so maps that improve their clout would be detrimental to Republicans' prospects in several districts: Grand Prairie Rep. Rodney Anderson, Sunnyvale Rep. Cindy Burkett and even North Dallas Rep. Linda Koop. New maps could help Democratic Rep. Victoria Neave hold her Dallas-anchored seat.Meanwhile, Democrats are taking aim at Irving Rep. Matt Rinaldi, who had a narrow 2016 victory over little-known Democrat Dorotha Ocker, who is running again.  Continue reading...