CQ Risk Rating: Leans Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Pete Sessions (R) | 100,487 | 54% |
| Regina Montoya Coggins (D) | 82,629 | 44% |
| Ken Ashby (LIBERT) | 2,842 | 2% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Regina Montoya Coggins | 18,368 | 68% |
| Gary Harrison | 8,619 | 32% |
| | Republican |
| Pete Sessions | 26,179 | 100% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
TEXAS 5
:
East Central - Part of Dallas; eastern and southern suburbs
The 5th encompasses several neighborhoods to the north and east of
Dallas, then stretches 200 miles south to draw in seven counties and parts
of three other counties. About 55 percent of the district's residents live
in Dallas County.
The economy of Dallas and its surrounding suburbs is strong and on the
rise, with new businesses constantly appearing and high-tech jobs
increasing. Many of the suburbs outside the city have growing populations
and provide easy access to a bustling metropolis while supplying the
benefits of small-town life. Mesquite, once predominantly farmland, is now a
popular residential area.
Prisons are a large employer in the district. In the more rural
counties, like Leon and Robertson, cattle, natural gas and coal continue to
be big industries as well. Many of the smaller towns previously relied on
steel or lumber and were hard hit when those fell. Today, however, there are
brownfield revitalization efforts taking place in the 5th.
The 5th leans toward the GOP in most elections. After the latest
redistricting in 1996, the district picked up some reliably Republican
territory in the northeast neighborhoods of Dallas. Still, Tyler (Smith
County) and Bryan (Brazos County) have large black populations and vote
heavily Democratic, making the district more competitive. The district
elected a Republican congressman in 1996 after 12 years of Democratic
representation.
Major Industry
High-tech, prisons, service
Population
566,887 (1990)
Cities
Dallas (pt.), 189,987; Mesquite (pt.), 56,490; Garland (pt.), 39,207 (1990)
People
65% urban; 13% age 65+ (ranks ninth of 30 in state; middle third
nationally); 52% married couples, 24% married couples with children; 19%
college educated (ranks 11 of 30 in state; middle third nationally); 57%
white collar (ranks 12 of 30 in state; middle third nationally), 26% blue
collar (ranks 16 of 30 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
75% white, 16% black, 1% Asian; 14% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$25,817 (15 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Joe Kool, reputedly one of the most difficult bulls to ride in the world,
appeared regularly for a decade at the renowned Mesquite Rodeo.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 5
