Three candidates in this race are so closely matched in knowledge and credentials that readers can't go wrong voting for any of them.

Colin Allred, Ed Meier and Lillian Salerno, all with significant experience in the Obama administration and almost identical stands on the issues, seem equally adept at tackling the intricacies of both policy and politics.

While it makes recommending just one of them difficult, voters should be encouraged that such worthy candidates want to serve. We tip to Allred, 34, a civil rights attorney who has worked in the federal housing department and overseen Texas voter-protection cases.

The trajectory of Allred's life story is impressive and reflects a candidate able to speak with authority about the wide variety of trials that District 32 constituents face. Raised by a single mom who taught in Dallas public schools, Allred went on to play college and pro football before graduating from the Berkeley School of Law.

Despite his time in Washington, Allred's perspective on issues more often reflects a North Texas point of view rather than one emanating from "inside the Beltway."

Candidates Meier, 41, and Salerno, 57, are also stout contenders.

Meier served in the U.S. State Department and on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign; he also previously led the local Big Thought education nonprofit. Salerno, a small business owner, held a post in the federal agriculture department and moved into this district in September after many years in Lewisville.

Among other candidates, attorney George Rodriguez, 49, has a deep knowledge of immigration affairs and an impressive resume of advocacy work on this issue.

Former news reporter Brett Shipp, 59, has a name that many will recognize, but he comes in fifth in our assessment, based on applicable knowledge and experience. Also running are retired aerospace engineer Ron Marshall, 74, and Texas Instruments writer Todd Maternowski, 42.

The winner faces GOP opposition.

Ready to vote?

This is one in a series of Dallas Morning News recommendations for the March 6 primary elections.

Voter Guide: Compare candidates' answers to questionnaires tailored to their contest. dallasnews.com/voterguide Recommendations: Find a list of our primary-election recommendations to date. dallasnews.com/opinion

Early voting starts: Feb. 20

March 6

For more information:

Collin County 1-800-687-8546

Dallas County 214-819-6300

Denton County 940-349-3200

Kaufman County 972-932-0298

Tarrant County 817-831-8683

For more help, including how to check your registration status, contact the Texas secretary of state at 1-800-252-8683 or visit votetexas.gov

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