Why do third$-$party candidates have a tough time being competitive in state elections?

Texas requires third$-$party candidates to announce their candidacy no later than January of the election year and to gather petition signatures numbering at least one percent of the total vote of all candidates in the preceding gubernatorial election to earn ballot access.

Texas will not allow third party candidates whose party has not won a national election to place their names on ballots.

Third$-$party candidates do not promote issues that are important to Texans.

Texans will not allow third$-$party candidates who have never been elected to have their names placed on ballots.