Barack Obama network takes aim at Texas’ hottest congressional races

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, whose congressional district runs along the majority of Texas's border with Mexico, arrives for a closed-door GOP meeting in the basement of the Capitol as the Republican leadership tries to reach a policy agreement between conservatives and moderates on immigration, in Washington, Thursday, June 7, 2018. . (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) less Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, whose congressional district runs along the majority of Texas's border with Mexico, arrives for a closed-door GOP meeting in the basement of the Capitol as the Republican leadership ... more Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, STF / Associated Press Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, STF / Associated Press Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Barack Obama network takes aim at Texas’ hottest congressional races 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN — Obama for America organizers are heading to Houston and San Antonio to help flip key congressional seats from Republicans to Democrats.

Former members of President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign has announced it is sending representatives to Houston and San Antonio as part of a nationwide effort to mobilize voters in key congressional races.

It’s no surprise that yet another Democratic-leaning group has its sights set on the 7th Congressional District in Houston where U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, is considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the nation. Voters in that suburban Houston district supported Hillary Clinton for president over President Donald Trump in 2016.

“This November, OFA supporters are organizing to elect someone who will reject cynical partisan politics and stand up for Texans on the issues that matter most,” said Dana Mayber with Organizing for Action.

Houston attorney Lizzie Pannill Fletcher won a combative Democratic primary in May and will face Culberson in November. Early polling already shows it to be a tight contest.

Mayber, a former White House policy adviser, said the group will be involved in 27 races nationwide, but in her email announcing the campaign focused aggressively on the 7th Congressional District.

Also on the list is Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which runs from Bexar County west to El Paso. U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, holds that seat but is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones, a former Air Force Intelligence officer and Iraq War veteran.

Also on the target list is the 32nd Congressional District based in Dallas County where U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas, is facing a challenge from Democrat Colin Allred.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com

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