CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Charles W. Stenholm (D) | 120,670 | 59% |
| Darrell Clements (R) | 72,535 | 35% |
| Debra Monde (LIBERT) | 11,180 | 5% |
| write-in | 45 | 0% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Charles W. Stenholm | 36,753 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Darrell Clements | 15,167 | 52% |
| Shane Hunt | 14,248 | 48% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Military Bases | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
TEXAS 17
:
West Central - Abilene
Starting west of Fort Worth, the conservative 17th takes in the central
Texas plains and heads through Abilene until reaching Midland in western
Texas. The culture of the old West lingers in this part of the Lone Star
State with ranches, cotton and cowboys.
When the 1980s oil glut hit home in Texas, refineries covered the 17th's
prairie. Today, there are only a fraction of the rigs that once blanketed
the area, and some of those oil-producing towns have disappeared. Abilene,
the district's largest city, has made an effort to revitalize its downtown.
Three church-sponsored colleges also nurture a powerful evangelical
community.
Cattle and cotton are still big in the 17th, but low cattle prices and
droughts have jeopardized both. Adding a measure of stability to the
economy, however, are Air Force bases near Abilene and in the neighboring
21st District. The prison industry has also done well, with facilities in
Abilene, Snyder and Big Spring.
The 17th is represented by a conservative Democrat. While the district
is socially conservative, its economic hardships have sent it in search of
government assistance in agriculture. At the local level, Republicans tend
to be favored, but in some areas north and west of Abilene, conservative
Democrats do well.
Major Industry
Cattle, cotton, defense, oil
Military Bases
Dyess Air Force Base, 5,000 military, 450 civilian (1998)
Population
566,255 (1990)
Cities
Abilene, 108,476 (1996); San Angelo (pt.), 48,529 (1990); Big Spring, 23,248
(1996)
People
38% rural, 34% suburban; 16% age 65+ (ranks second of 30 in state; top third
nationally); 62% married couples, 29% married couples with children; 13%
college educated (ranks 25 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally); 48%
white collar (ranks 25 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally), 30% blue
collar (ranks eighth of 30 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
86% white, 4% black, 1% Asian; 17% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$21,532 (ranks 26 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Abilene named after the famous cattle shipping center in Abilene, Kan.;
First Hilton Hotel in Cisco.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
Front | Political News | Elections | The Issues | Federal Page | Polls
Columns - Cartoons | Live Online | Online Extras | Photo Galleries | Video - Audio
|
District 17
