Time to vote in attorney general, Tarrant DA runoffs. Here are our recommendations

Once more to the polls: Texans are finishing up undecided primary races Tuesday, picking party nominees for federal, statewide, legislative and county offices.

If you skipped the March primary, you can still vote Tuesday, and you can choose either party’s runoff. If you voted in round one, you must stick with the party you started with.

Here are our recommendations in top state and Tarrant County races, derived from long study of the candidates and issues.

REPUBLICANS

Attorney general: Challenger George P. Bush is a solid conservative lawyer who presents an opportunity for Republican voters to rid themselves of incumbent Ken Paxton’s constant drama and, more urgently, the possibility that his legal troubles will finally catch up to him and cost the GOP the seat.

Paxton has served two terms under a cloud. The securities fraud charges that predate his time in the office are one thing. He stands accused of bribery and abuse of office by a cadre of former employees, including some of his top lieutenants. Paxton presents himself as above the law, including recently, when he declined to identify the addresses of property he owns on his public ethics filings, as legally required.

Bush is the better choice, for substantive and political reasons.

Railroad Commission: Political neophyte Sarah Stogner, an oil and gas lawyer, is an unconventional candidate. But her directness and willingness to challenge the status quo present a rare opportunity for someone who can shake up the state body that regulates the oil industry.

The commission needs a firmer hand on accountability and winterization without crippling a crucial component of the Texas economy. Incumbent Wayne Christian has had ample time in office to prove that he does not fit that role.

Tarrant County district attorney: Two conservative lawyers who share policy views are in this runoff. But only one has the experience to be ready to serve as DA: Longtime judge Phil Sorrells, a former prosecutor who can manage the department. Rep. Matt Krause touts his experience in the Legislature as proof he’ll be ready to set policy, but he has never worked a day in criminal law.

House District 91: Rep. Stephanie Klick, a conservative leader in the House, faces a challenge from David Lowe in a race that has often boiled down to who’s tougher on abortion. But representing parts of north Fort Worth, Watauga, Richland Hills, Hurst and North Richland Hills requires more than that. Klick is the pick.

House District 93: We recommend Laura Hill, the former Southlake mayor, in this northern Tarrant County district. Her practical approach and governing experience have her positioned to hit the ground running. Opponent Nate Schatzline, a pastor, is a political newcomer.

House District 60: This race, between Rep. Glenn Rogers and challenger Mike Olcott, has been the focus of the annual battle between House Republican leaders and political groups funded by billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks. Rogers brings a conservative record and an ability to deliver for the district, which now includes Parker County.

DEMOCRATS

Lieutenant governor: Mike Collier has run twice for statewide office, and he came closer to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in 2018 than anyone expected. He’s an accountant by trade and not the flashiest candidate, but his well-developed critique of Patrick and the rest of the GOP leadership offer the party’s best bet to pull an upset. His opponent is Carrollton Rep. Michelle Beckley.

Attorney general: Civil-liberties attorney Rochelle Garza would bring a fresh voice to the top of the ticket. She’s a fine spokeswoman for progressive priorities but also shows promise in improving the day-to-day functions of the AG’s office, such as child-support collection, that matter to millions of Texans.

The runoff winners advance to the November general election. In most cases, Republicans will be favored to win, as Democrats are searching for their first statewide and countywide victories in nearly 30 years.