The 7 Democrats Who Want To Replace John Cornyn

You may not know it, because the media hasn't given it much coverage, but the field of Democrats who want to run against John Cornyn for his U.S. Senate seat has already grown to seven candidates. Here are those candidates:

M. J. HEGAR

Hegar graduated from Leander High School. Hegar served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Major (having been awarded a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross) She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Hegar’s career experience includes working with the American Civil Liberties Union and as an author, writing her own memoir Shoot Like a Girl.

Hegar was a Democratic candidate for Texas' 31st Congressional District in the U.S. House, losing to Republican John Carter by only 3 points in a very red district.

ROYCE WEST

Royce West (Democrat) is a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 23. West was elected to the office in 1992.

West received a B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington, going on to earn a master's degree there as well. He also holds a law degree from the University of Houston.[1]

In addition to serving on the Senate, West is a managing partner at the law firm of West and Associates, L.L.P.

AMANDA EDWARDS

Amanda Edwards is the councilmember for the At-large 4 seat of the Houston City Council in Texas. She won the runoff election on December 12, 2015.

Born in Houston, Edwards graduated from Eisenhower High School. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in political science from Atlanta's Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

CHRIS BELL

Bell was born in Abilene, Texas, and grew up in Dallas. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law. While attending law school, Bell worked as a journalist and tv and radio reporter. His professional experience includes working as an attorney in private firms. He became a partner at Berg Feldman Johnson Bell, LLPin 2014. 

Bell's political experience includes serving on the Houston City Council, following his election in 1997. He was elected to Congress in 2002 and served one term. He ran for Governor of Texas in 2006, winning the Democratic primary and losing the general election to Governor Rick Perry.

SEMA HERNANDEZ

Sema is a daughter of immigrants, oldest of 7 siblings and first American born child in her family. 

Sema worked in healthcare for 6 years until she attended college to obtain a ASN degree.

She is a human rights advocate, activist and organizer in the Houston area. Sema is also a member of Democratic Socialist of America, who supports the DSA platform and DSA values.

Hernandez also ran for senate in the 2018 primary, getting 24% of the vote against Beto O'Rourke.

MICHAEL COOPER

Michael Cooper earned a bachelor's degree in business and social studies from Lamar University Beaumont. Cooper's career experience includes working as a pastor at his local church, president of the South East Texas Toyota Dealers and in executive management with Kinsel Motors.

In 2018, he ran in the Democratic primary for Lt. Governor.

ADRIAN OCEGUEDA

Adrian Ocegueda lives in El Paso, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in political economy from Princeton University in 1998 and a master's degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University in 2008. Ocegueda's career experience includes working as a chartered financial analyst, a policy advisor in the Office of the El Paso Mayor, and principal at Lone Star Investment Advisors.

In 2018, he ran in the Democratic primary as a candidate for Governor.