The Democratic and Republican Party Primary Elections take place in Texas on Tuesday, with candidates on the ballot for federal, state and county offices.

Among the most contested area races is the race for Harris County Sheriff. Sheriff Adrian Garcia has filed for re-election in the Democratic Primary, with challenge from fellow Democrats Delores Jones and Charles Massey El. Republicans Paul Day, Louis Guthrie, Harold Heuszel, Carl Pittman, Daniel J. Lemkuil, Ruben Monzon, Brian Steinocher and Guy Clark have filed for a shot at being the Republican nominee for November's election.

Also drawing candidates is the race for the unexpired term for Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4. R. Jack Cagle, who was appointed to the position, has filed to continue serving the remainder of Jerry Eversole's term. Republicans Buck Buchanan and Robert M. Cadena have also filed for the seat. Democrats Dave Wilson and Sean Hammerle have filed for their party's nomination to take the seat.

In Fort Bend County, Republicans Kenneth Craig Brady, John Minchew, Troy E. Nelhs and Billy Frank Teague have filed to run as sheriff. The winner will run against Democrat Michael Ellison in November, who is unopposed in March's primary.

Several Republicans have also filed to run for County Commissioner Precinct 1 in Fort Bend County, with Manuel E. “Manny” Reyes, Tom Aitcheson, and Bruce Fleming on the ballot. The winner of the race will challenge incumbent Democrat Richard Morrison, who is unopposed in the primary.

In Jefferson County, Christopher Bates, Alton Lewis, Sr., Howard M. "Matt" Wonders and Darren D. Johnson have filed in the Democratic Primary Election for County Commissioner Precinct 2. The winner will be unchallenged by Republicans in November.

Federal seats for the Gulf Coast area include the 14th Congressional District of Texas, which is currently held by Ron Paul, who did not seek re-election.

The race has drawn a large amount of Republican candidates, with, Tim Day, John Gay, Robert Gonzalez, George Harper, Felicia Harris, Mark Mansius, Jay Old, Bill Sargent, Michael Truncale and Randy Weber all on the ballot. The Democratic Primary for the seat includes Nick Lampson and Linda Dailey.

For more information on races in the Gulf Coast area and Election Day coverage, visit the GuidryNews.com Election Page.  Click Here