ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates the organization, activities, and effectiveness of political parties in Texas. It describes the structure of political parties in Texas, the history of party competition in the state, the rules governing ballot access and redistricting, and the likely balance of power between Democrats and Republicans in the coming decades. The Democratic and Republican Parties in Texas spring to life for elections and then fade into the political background between elections. They are composed of full-time officers, part-time activists, and the voters who stand with them on Election Day. A precinct is the geographical area surrounding the local polling place where voters go on Election Day to cast their ballots. In 2014, Governor Rick Perry's decision not to stand for re-election shook up the Republican primary. Parties organize by county in rural areas and by state senatorial districts in the more populous urban areas.
