CQ Risk Rating: Leans Democratic 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Ken Bentsen (D) | 106,112 | 60% |
| Phil Sudan (R) | 68,010 | 39% |
| Clifford Lee Messina (LIBERT) | 2,400 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Ken Bentsen | 9,455 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Phil Sudan | 11,658 | 51% |
| Tom Reiser | 11,060 | 49% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
TEXAS 25
:
South Houston and suburbs
The 25th covers the southern portions of Houston from its west end
through Pasadena and Baytown east of the city. It takes in much of the land
around the port of Houston, including the cities of Morgan's Point and Deer
Park. One of the few swing districts in the Houston area, the 25th has a mix
of upscale neighborhoods, Reagan Democrats and suburban black areas. It also
has a sizable portion of Houston's Jewish population. Stances on issues, not
party affiliation, often decide close elections, although 1996 redistricting
made the 25th more competitive by trimming some of its Democratic edge.
The 25th's voters tend to be fiscally conservative but socially
progressive, evidenced by their support for abortion rights. The eastern
edges of the district have refineries, cowboy bars along with union
Democrats who went for Ronald Reagan in 1980 but also helped deliver a
slight majority to Clinton in 1996. The western, more suburban portion of
the 25th lies next to the 7th District, one of the most conservative in the
area.
Once mostly agricultural, the district's land has long since been
converted to industrial purposes, including refining and plastics
production. The 25th's proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and the
presence of the Texas Medical Center, which has an estimated $10 billion
impact on the region, helped boost the economy during the 1990s. Many
residents commute to the nearby Johnson Space Center.
Major Industry
Energy, shipping, health care
Population
563,510 (1990)
Cities
Houston (pt.), 332,677; Pasadena (pt.), 78,257; Baytown (pt.), 40,969 (1990)
People
99% urban; 8% age 65+ (ranks 22 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally);
49% married couples, 26% married couples with children; 26% college educated
(ranks ninth of 30 in state; top third nationally); 62% white collar (ranks
ninth of 30 in state; top third nationally), 24% blue collar (ranks 20 of 30
in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
63% white, 23% black, 4% Asian; 18% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$29,611 (ranks eighth of 30 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
The original "Yellow Rose of Texas," a slave from Morgan's Point named
Emily, is credited with helping Texans win the battle of San Jacinto in 1836
by detaining Mexican Gen. Santa Anna.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 25
