No-Name Candidate in Lead

Here's something you rarely see in a statewide race: A so-called "also-ran" candidate (so designated by we geniuses in the press) is trouncing the two leading contenders in the race for Texas Railroad Commission. Mark Thompson, whose candidacy garnered all of a few words in Texas newspapers, including this little rag, is holding steady with 48.9% of the vote, while former San Antonio city council member Art Hall (who won most of the big daily endorsements) is trailing in third place with 23.78%, and populist hopeful Dale Henry (our endorsement pick)is in second place with 27.25%. This is with 54% of the vote counted.

Campaign filings with the Texas Ethics Commission show Thompson, a disability rights advocate, raised no money and spent $150 in the primary election cycle. Should Thompson go on to win the nomination, he'll face the GOP Railroad Commission Chair Michael Williams, who's never met an oil and gas PAC he doesn't like.