As campaign season kicks into high gear, Texas REALTORS® is getting ready to increase the number of REALTOR® allies in elected offices at the local, state and national levels. Going into November 2022, the political landscape in Texas has shifted due to redistricting, a process of redrawing voting districts that occurs once every 10 years based on census population data. This year, the results of redistricting reaffirmed Texas’ status as a “primary state” – meaning that, in most cases, the primary elections are the election of consequence.
Even so, this November election remains consequential. Races for numerous positions at the statewide and local levels remain contentious, and divisive political issues could turn the tides in favor of either party. In many elections across the state — some tight races and some sure wins — Texas REALTORS® have skin in the game. Not sure which candidates are fighting for private property rights and the real estate industry? TREPAC has updated its roster of candidates receiving support. REALTORS® can also find updated information about November 2022 ballots at www.texasrealtorssupport.com.
The election this fall presents an opportunity to have an outsized influence on politics because midterm elections have notoriously low turnout, and Texas REALTORS® are far more likely to vote than the rest of the population. Statewide data from the March elections show Texas REALTORS® were 50% more likely to vote.
Your vote could influence the success of your business.
Which candidates earn TREPAC support?
“We support politicians with proven track records or with the potential to help us achieve our goals,” said Nancy Garcia, 2022 TREPAC chair. Because of the bipartisan nature of the real estate industry and the diversity of association members, TREPAC supports candidates from both major political parties. Support is based on their views concerning real estate issues and the ability to advance common goals– not party affiliation.
Local associations work with the Texas REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee (PIC) and TREPAC to select candidates. Support is determined based on factors that include a candidate’s positions on real estate issues and that candidate’s chances of winning. “If you want to help decide who TREPAC supports, you should get involved in government affairs at your local association,” said PIC Chair Joseph Martinez. “Local boards have the most say in which candidates ultimately receive support from the association.” Martinez’s committee is responsible for promoting member participation in the association’s grassroots political advocacy initiatives. This includes assisting candidate recruitment and training, candidate interviews, promoting turnout and maintaining relationships with elected officials.
The PIC also gives REALTOR®-supported candidates ratings dependent on their stances toward real estate issues and their history of advocating on behalf of private property rights. In order from highest to lowest, those ratings are REALTOR® Champion, REALTOR® Advocate, REALTOR® Friend and Incumbent.
Why do REALTORS® get political?
During the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021, TREPAC-supported elected officials passed laws that reformed homeowners’ associations in favor of property owners, expanded options for appraisals, ensured REALTORS® could provide their essential services in times of crisis and increased transparency of property taxes. The association worked with allies in the Texas Capitol to achieve those wins. Those partnerships were forged and solidified through participation in the electoral process.
REALTORS® participate in politics because it’s the best way to ensure the health of the industry. Whenever a new policy is proposed, it helps when REALTOR® interests are top of mind with lawmakers. The association has a saying: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” By participating in politics, the association can maintain relationships with elected officials who can help achieve common goals. “TREPAC is regarded as one of the most respected political action committees in the state,” said Garcia. “People know who we are and that we get things done.”
The efficacy of Texas REALTORS® support is evident from the success of RPAC- and TREPAC-supported candidates. On March 1, Texas REALTORS® took positions in 79 state and federal races in Texas. Of those 79 races, the candidates in 76 races either won outright or headed to a May 24 runoff. Then, during the May runoffs—which are always unpredictable—statewide candidates backed by TREPAC had an amazing 81% win rate. The one candidate for federal office who went to a runoff also won his election. Three Texas REALTORS® will be on Texas ballots in November. “By showing up to the polls, you can ensure REALTORS® continue to have a loud voice in school boards, city councils, county commissions, the Legislature and the U.S. Capitol,” Garcia said.