County Canvasses: The state’s 254 counties will canvass the general election over the next few weekdays. Typically, the commissioners court meets for a special meeting solely to canvass votes. This process produces final, official counts of votes. All election results reported prior to a canvass are considered unofficial.
Monday was the last day that voters casting a provisional ballot could present acceptable identification and overseas ballots could be received. This will determine any additional votes that will be added to the early voting and Election Day totals. Typically, these votes are not sufficient to swing a race, but several close races, including a legislative seat or two, could potentially be impacted.
Congressional Republicans: U.S. Reps. Bill Flores (R-Bryan) and Roger Williams (R-Austin) lost their respective bids for Republican Caucus vice-chair and National Republican Campaign Committee chair. Republicans unanimously re-elected Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Ill.) despite some criticism from U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler). Ryan’s election is not official until the full House votes in January. House Democrats delayed voting on their leaders until November 30 in what is thought to be a setback for current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Meanwhile, Politico reported that U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Austin) has expressed interest in becoming President-elect Trump’s Homeland Security secretary.
Also, a congressional hearing room has been named after U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Plano).
"Seeing my name on this plaque serves as a reminder to me that service above self is most important" –@SamsPressShop https://t.co/8TTf0Ww0Yt pic.twitter.com/XB5v3VDJo5
— Ways and Means (@WaysandMeansGOP) November 15, 2016
