The seat is open because state Rep. John Lujan isn't seeking reelection, choosing instead to run for Congress. That leaves Carranza facing Republican nominee Jorge Borrego for the District 118 seat.
The editorial board notes the two candidates share more in common than their party labels suggest. Carranza, 36, and Borrego, 30, are both relatively young for state office and built their careers behind the scenes in politics rather than as elected officials. Carranza worked as a regional director for the Democratic National Committee, while Borrego shaped education policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank. Neither grew up with much money, and both credit single mothers with raising them.
For voters in District 118, the race means picking between two candidates with parallel resumes but opposite political philosophies, since neither is an incumbent riding name recognition into November. Lujan's departure opens the door for a genuinely new representative, regardless of who wins.