The field of candidates for the Special Election in Senate District 6 has rounded out to 8 people.  The most well-funded candidates remain former County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and State Representative Carol Alvarado.

These two began campaigning as soon as it was appropriate to do so and both have television ads running on the air now.

In a Special Election of this nature, endorsements have a little more weight than they do in broader elections.  Endorsements can spur better organization, feet on the ground, and encouragement to get out and vote.

Garcia has strong support from the labor community with endorsements from most of the major union organizations, including HOPE, SEIU, Teachers, AFL-CIO and more.  She also has endorsements from City Council Members Jerry Davis and Ed Gonzalez.  Most interestingly, a number of Alvarado’s colleagues have endorsed Garcia, including Jessica Farrar, Ana Hernandez, Armando Walle, Garnet Coleman and Alma Allen.

Alvarado also has strong endorsements from well-established and well-financed organizations such as the Houston Police Officers Union,  Fire Fighters,  Houston Association of REALTORS and the Houston Apartment Association.  She has support from Council Member James Rodriguez,  State Senator Rodney Ellis, former Mayors Bill White and Lee Brown as well as State Representatives Senfronia Thompson and Harold Dutton.

Alvarado also has the endorsement of the Gallegos family and this may be her most important support.  The family is actively engaged in supporting her campaign and encouraging others to vote for her.

Both candidates seem to be fairly evenly matched in fundraising and both have professional teams guiding their efforts.

Early vote begins on January 9.