Pete Olson, left, and Nick Lampson
Democrat: Nick Lampson (Incumbent)
Republican: Pete Olson (Attorney)
Former GOP House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was unbeatable in this heavily Republican district in southeast Texas until the fallout from his indictment on conspiracy charges (which he denies) eventually forced him not to seek reelection in 2006. Democrat Nick Lampson stepped in and won the special election to take DeLay's seat with 52% of the vote, but that was against a GOP opponent who only made the ballot as a write-in. This November, Lampson faces Pete Olson, a Navy officer with the time and resources to wage a strong campaign in a district that may be hard for a Democrat to hold onto.
2004 Presidential Vote: 64% Bush, 34% Kerry
-James Downie and Marti Covington/Washington