Our “Money Behind the Committee Chair” series spotlights the Texas lawmakers chairing prominent committees during the 87th Legislative Session, as well as the individual donors and PACs who have supported their campaigns leading up to this session.

The most closely watched political clash in Texas this year will be the Democrats’ attempt to take control of the Texas House of Representatives. And the battle begins with the primaries on March 3. Over the next three weeks we’ll be bringing you an inside look at some of the most hotly contested primary races — introducing you to the candidates and giving you a clear breakdown of the money involved.

Following the last legislative session, conservative activists and donors across Texas expressed dismay with what they believed to be lackluster results. We’ve reported the reasons for the general discontent from the Republican base here and here, as well as their veiled threats to put away their checkbooks.