Marshall mayor Chris Paddie will seek the Republican nomination for District 9, a redrawn district that runs along the Texas-Louisiana border. The district is currently represented by conservative stalwart Wayne Christian. Paddie’s home county, Harrison, is the biggest county in the district. This will be one of the most-watched races in the state, if only because Christian is one of the most high-profile representatives. That Paddie comes from the most populous couny is not necessarily an advantage. Sometimes the smaller counties gang up on the big county. In addition to serving as mayor, Paddie hosts a radio talk show.