4 Republicans compete in primary for Texa 33rd Congressional District

cbsnews.com · Feb 27, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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By Doug Myers Digital Content Producer, CBS Texas Doug Myers is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. A longtime journalist, Doug has worked for four newspapers in Texas and Louisiana and for three television stations in Texas. He has also spent time as a digital content manager for a national trade association and as communications director for a state agency. Read Full Bio Updated on: February 27, 2026 / 9:55 AM CST / CBS Texas Add CBS News on Google Four Republicans are competing in the March 3 primary for Texas' 33rd Congressional District, a deep‑blue seat that will be on the ballot under new boundaries for the first time since the state's mid‑decade redistricting in 2025.Patrick David Gillespie, John Sims, Monte "Doc" Mitchell and Kurt Schwab are seeking the GOP nomination in a district long considered difficult terrain for Republicans.District remains safely DemocraticThe 33rd District, anchored in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is rated "Solid Democratic" by multiple national election forecasters. The new map, approved in August 2025, did not significantly change the district's partisan makeup, meaning the eventual Republican nominee will face an uphill climb in November. The seat is currently held by a Democrat.Kurt SchwabA Navy veteran and small‑business owner, served as a C‑130 loadmaster with combat deployments before moving into entrepreneurship. His campaign highlights his military background, business experience and long‑standing involvement in conservative politics.John SimsA retired police officer, has a long professional tenure in the private sector, spending more than two decades with the same company. His campaign emphasizes public safety, community ties and his long‑term residency in the district, framing him as a stability‑focused candidate with strong local connections.Monte "Doc" MitchellKnown locally as "Doc," has campaigned on conservative grassroots themes. His public biography stresses community involvement, limited‑government principles and neighborhood‑level engagement.Patrick David GillespieA repeat Republican nominee in Texas' 33rd Congressional District, is known for running low‑budget, self‑funded campaigns and for declining to accept political donations. His public profile is intentionally low‑visibility, and he presents himself as a principled, independent‑minded candidate who favors minimal fundraising and streamlined campaigning. Winner advances to November ballotUnder Texas law, the primary will advance to a May 26 runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. The winner will move on to the November general election, where the district's strong Democratic lean will shape the race's competitiveness. In: Texas Election North Texas