JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — This week, all eyes are on the race for State Representative of District 21, and a large turnout on the first day of early voting signified how seriously Southeast Texans are taking this election.
The Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman, Joe Evans, has endorsed incumbent Dade Phelan, but he has emphasized that the party is made up of a multitude of Republicans who have different opinions.
"There will be a huge gaping hole in leadership to lose Speaker Phelan," said Evans.
However, not everyone shares Evans sentiment.
"I support Covey, because I like the things that he stands for," said Ann Caldwell.
The highly contested race for State House District 21 holds even more weight for Southeast Texas, because Dade Phelan is also the Speaker of the House.
"Having a speaker from Southeast Texas is a once in a lifetime thing. This doesn't always happen, it's never happened before. The chances of it happening again are slim," said Evans.
Evans says that if David Covey is elected, he will have to start from scratch.
"He starts at Square one. He has to fight and jockey for political positions," said Evans.
Evans says Phelan is able to use the seat to advocate for additional funding for Southeast Texas, such as making college tuition more affordable with tuition reductions.
Meanwhile, some Covey supporters told 12News they would rather have a new politician with fresh ideas.
"The people that are getting elected don't care a hoot about what they like, or what they want," said Ann Caldwell. "And so as it goes we will elect somebody that does listen to us, and does care about us, and that's what this is all about."
Evans says that simply being a new face is sometimes appealing for voters.
"David Covey, he's a new comer, people embrace the fact that people are new, a lot of people don't like incumbents," said Evans.
No matter who you vote for, both campaigns have the same message. Get out and vote.
"So if you live in House District 21 please, please, please, go out to the polls and vote today," said Evans.