WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A pair of debates feature Republican contenders for two powerful — but often little-publicized — statewide offices.
State Rep. Dan Branch, of Dallas, McKinney state Sen. Ken Paxton and Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman will share a stage first Wednesday.
The trio is competing for the GOP nomination to replace Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is now running for governor.
They will be followed by state Sen. Glen Hegar of Katy, Kerrville state Rep. Harvey Hilderbran and Debra Medina, a rancher who was a strong third-party candidate for governor in 2010.
Those three are vying to replace Republican Comptroller Susan Combs, who is not seeking re-election.
The powerful lobbying group the Texas Business Association is hosting both events at its annual conference in Austin.
Texas’ primary is March 4.