BEAUMONT, Texas — Jefferson County voters will be deciding Tuesday if District 22 Texas Rep Christian Manuel will be staying in office for a second term.
Manuel, who was elected in 2022, is defending his seat against fellow Democrats, Al "Jamie" Price, Jr. and Luther W. Martin, III,
Two years after winning his seat, Manuel says he wants to continue the work he started in his first term.
"I still want to continue in bringing in jobs. That is something that is still very important to me," Manuel said recently. "We have to grow this county and also focusing on issues of special education."
Price, who has been an energy lawyer for the past 20 years, threw his hat into the race and says he can create change in his community.
"What I intend to do, is to use my knowledge skills and abilities to fight for the people here," he told 12News recently. "I have been an energy lawyer for 20 years serving clients. I have a deep understanding of oil, petrochemical and infrastructure."
Price's father was Al Price Sr., who served as a State Representative in the Legislature from 1977-1999, according to the Legislative Reference Library.
Beaumont native Luther W. Martin, III, says that his involvement with the community and his background as an engineer highlights his skills as a problem solver.
"I call it the six p's of community development and that's people, planet, peace, progress, partnership and prosperity and with those six p's I feel District 22 can excel," he said recently.
Whichever candidate wins the primary race will most likely be the winner in the general election; no Republicans are running for the office.
"Please get out and vote in whichever primary is most important to you," Manuel said.
All three candidates encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.
"Please participate in this process, it is so important to participate. People died for our right to do it," Price said.
"It's our fundamental right and our duty to serve our community," Luther said.
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