Republican David Cook and Democrat Amy Martinez-Salas are competing in a special election for the vacant Texas Senate District 22 seat. The race was triggered by Gov. Greg Abbott after former Sen. Brian Birdwell resigned to join the Pentagon as assistant secretary of war for sustainment.
Cook, who currently represents House District 96 and previously served as Mansfield mayor, won the Republican primary against Jon Gimble and Rena Schroeder. Martinez-Salas, a political newcomer working as a legal assistant in Arlington, was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
District 22 spans Central and North Texas, including parts of Tarrant County from Euless south to Mansfield. Of the five Senate districts touching Tarrant County, only Districts 22 and 9 are on the ballot this cycle.
Cook emphasized his legislative background as a key asset. He stated that his time in the Texas House and as mayor has prepared him to be effective immediately. As a board-certified family-law attorney, he highlighted his experience in mediation and consensus-building.
His platform focuses on property tax relief, reducing government spending, border security, and affordability. Cook identified data centers as a primary concern for District 22 due to their energy and water demands. He pledged to file legislation requiring these facilities to address resource usage, provide public input, and ensure transparent permitting.
Martinez-Salas described herself as a leader through her role as a mother. Her priorities include sustainable water infrastructure, healthcare access, and public education. She cited the water crisis as a critical issue for families and farmers in the district.
