House GOP chairman narrowly survives primary challenge

Rep. Kevin Brady, the Texas Republican who chairs the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, narrowly prevailed in a primary race on Tuesday.

The 10-term lawmaker eked out a projected win with 53 percent of the vote, according to The Associated Press, just barely above the minimum of 50.1 percent to avoid a May runoff.

Tea Party-backed former Texas state Rep. Steve Toth finished in second place with 38 percent of the vote.

{mosads}Brady went up against three primary challengers after serving as the House Ways and Means Committee chairman only since November. In addition to Toth, he faced Craig McMichael, who challenged him in 2014, and Andre Dean, a retired lieutenant colonel.

Brady won the Ways and Means gavel last year after his predecessor, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), resigned to become Speaker. Brady had previously sought the post in 2014 but lost to Ryan at the time.

Tuesday was a good night for incumbent House Republicans in Texas, all of whom are projected to win and avoid runoffs.

House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions and House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, along with Republican Study Committee Chairman Bill Flores, all edged out primary challengers.

Other longtime incumbents including Reps. Joe Barton, Sam Johnson, John Culberson and Louie Gohmert also easily fended off their GOP opponents.

In Alabama, Republican Reps. Martha Roby and Bradley Byrne both successfully avoided runoffs against their primary challengers.