August 18, 2017      5:03 PM

Crowded field forms for Rep. Dukes' Texas House seat as she faces prosecution

From a former Austin Mayor Pro Tem to an openly gay former Republican, this race will have it all

A startup founder, an immigration lawyer, a former Austin City Council member, an openly gay former Republican, and a Manor ISD board member are all part of the lineup challenging Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, for the Texas House seat she’ occupied since 1996, following a legislative session in which she missed more than 921 votes.

Dukes has been indicted on 13 counts of tampering with a governmental record and two charges of abuse of official capacity by a public servant. After letting an offer expire from the Travis County District Attorney’s Office earlier this month that would have dropped the charges against her on the condition that she resign, paid $3,500, and underwent an alcohol and drug assessment, the future status of the House seat is unclear.

In the most populated democratic primary for HD 46 since she has been a House member, at least half a dozen candidates have stepped up to challenge Dukes.

By Lyanne A. Guarecuco

Copyright August 18, 2017, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved