Texas Republican David Dewhurst has been the leading candidate to replace retiring senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for the last year. Dewhurst, a wealthy Houston-born businessman who served in the Air Force and CIA, has been lieutenant governor since 2003, making him second only to governor Rick Perry in influence and name recognition among statewide Republicans.

Dewhurst’s chief primary opponent is former state solicitor general Ted Cruz. (Dallas mayor Tom Leppert, also a wealthy businessman, and former professional football player and sports announcer Craig James are also in contention, though they’ve both sat at the bottom of most polls.)