Overview
- The District C runoff, which is Saturday, now features a two-page “Jewish community alert” ad urging voters to oppose Joe Panzarella for accepting an endorsement tied to CAIR Action Texas.
- Nick Hellyar endorsed the ad and escalated attacks with mailers that cite a 2021 post about public drinking and a past primary vote, while Panzarella called the claims recycled “Greg Abbott” talking points.
- CAIR rejects assertions that it is antisemitic or tied to terrorism, noting it was not indicted in the 2007 Holy Land Foundation case and has sued Gov. Greg Abbott over his designation of the group.
- Turnout has been thin, with about 6,600 early votes after only 9,400 ballots in April, when Panzarella led with roughly one-third of the vote and Hellyar finished second.
- The district includes Meyerland and other Jewish hubs, and the winner will be seated before a key budget vote that could add a new monthly trash fee, sharpening contrasts on city services, policing, and immigration coordination.