Former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek’s bid for the Republican nomination in the 22nd district has picked up the support of the Houston Chronicle, the biggest newspaper covering the district. The winner of the GOP primary will take on Rep. Nick Lampson (D) in November.

Hrbacek is running in a crowded primary, as the GOP is confident the strong conservative bent of the suburban Houston district will enable the eventual Republican nominee to oust Lampson in the fall. The two top finishers in the March 4 GOP primary will proceed to an April 8 runoff, unless the winner garners more than 50 percent of the vote.
— David M. Drucker