(Here's a good introduction as to who may be running to replace Vilma Luna in HD-33. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Although this shake-up comes as a surprise to many, it is not completely unexpected. One of the candidates expected to run is former Nueces County Chair Solomon Ortiz, Jr. When Ortiz, Jr., son of the longest-tenured Democratic Congressman in Texas announced his intention not to run for re-election, many assumed that he had higher ambitions (including rumors about challenging Luna for her established Democratic seat).
Also expected to seek the nomination for District 33 is Danny Noyola, Sr., a community leader and high school administrator. Noyola was recently ousted as principal of problem-ridden Miller High School in Corpus Christi. He took over the school deemed "low-performing" by the federal government and made little progress during his tenure. He served only one year in his position before being "re-assigned" to an assistant principal position at neighboring Moody High School. Several teachers disapproved of his leadership style and the cause for his demotion is still unclear.
Noyola, Sr. has been active throughout the community. He has served as President of the Corpus Christi Barrios Association, a neighborhood improvement organization. His brother Jesse Noyola is a powerful City Councilman and his son Danny Noyola, Jr. was recently elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee for SD 20.
It is also worth noting that Noyola is disliked by many in the Corpus community for his support of Republican candidates in several races. They include Mayor Loyd Neal and County Commissioner Joe McComb.
The seat has no Republican challenger for the November election. Since the 45 precinct chairs of the 33rd State House District will decide the person to replace Luna on the ballot, that group will basically be selecting Corpus Christi’s newest State Representative. The only other way to win the seat would be a well-orchestrated write-in campaign.
The vote has yet to be called by Nueces County Chair Alex Garcia. It should be close. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. is respected throughout the community and knows many of the precinct chairs from his role as County Chair. Noyola knows many of the precinct chairs himself., including his wife Precinct 116 Chair Alma Noyola.
Incidentally, outgoing State Rep. Vilma Luna works for trial lawyer Mikal Watts in Corpus Christi. He has emerged as a powerful player in South Texas politics and will likely seek the Presidency of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association during the next election. He has funded Luna extensively over the years, as well as County and State House candidates in this election cycle. At this point, it is unclear who Mikal Watts supports, but his opinion most definitely matters to candidates seeking the election in District 33. |
