In one of Texas’ most closely watched state primary contests, House Representative Victoria Neave Criado is challenging incumbent Senator Nathan Johnson in a North Texas Senate district. With no Republican candidates in the race, the primary election will determine the Democratic nominee.
Neave Criado has criticized Johnson for what she perceives as a lack of resistance against Republican dominance in the state Senate, particularly highlighting his support for Senate Bill 4, which aimed to strengthen penalties for human smuggling. This legislation, proposed by Governor Greg Abbott during a special session, led to division within the Democratic caucus in the Senate.
“While I was actively opposing Governor Abbott’s bill on racial profiling in the House, Nathan Johnson supported one of the governor’s proposals,” Neave Criado stated in an interview with Lone Star Politics.
Johnson defended his stance, arguing that his decision was strategic and emphasizing his alignment with the Senate Hispanic Caucus.
The primary contest is unfolding in the recently redrawn Senate District 16, encompassing areas such as Irving, Mesquite, and Richardson. Given the absence of Republican contenders, the victor of the Democratic primary will secure the Senate seat.
