Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered a November 5 special election to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-Houston), who announced last week that she would resign effective September 30. Candidates must file by September 4. The election coincides with the Houston mayoral and council elections, as well as the special elections for HD28 and HD100.
At least two potential Democratic candidates have emerged so far: Houston ISD trustee Elizabeth Santos, who is exploring the race, and John Gorczynski, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston).
Filing Deadline: Today (Monday) was the deadline for candidates to file for offices on the November 5 general election. In Houston, at least 125 people filed for mayor, city council and city controller, but the final number of certified candidates is still to be determined. It usually takes about a week before we know the final slate of candidates. Write-in candidates may file through Friday. Filed candidates may withdraw through Monday. Candidates withdrawing or who are declared ineligible after Monday will remain on the ballot. Special elections coinciding with the November 5 general election may have different deadlines.
Secretary of State: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Austin attorney Ruth Hughs as Secretary of State. Hughs has served on the Texas Workforce Commission since 2015 and has been its chair for the past year. She succeeds David Whitley, who resigned the day the legislative session ended in May after failing to win confirmation from the Senate. Hughs may serve until the next regular session, during which her nomination would be considered by the Senate.
HD7: Rep. Jay Dean (R-Longview) announced he would seek re-election to a third term.
HD60: Rep. Mike Lang (R-Granbury) announced he would seek re-election to a third term. Lang’s announcement ends any speculation he might run for CD11, the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Midland).
HD121: Rep. Steve Allison (R-San Antonio) announced he would seek re-election to a second term.
SEN: Cleveland business owner and previously announced independent candidate Dwayne Stovall announced he would challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R) in the Republican primary. Stovall finished third in the 2014 Republican primary against Cornyn, receiving 11% of the vote. Cornyn drew seven primary challengers that year, including former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, who finished second with 19% of the vote. The seven challengers held Cornyn just below 60%.
CD11 open: Comanche aircraft mechanic and business owner Robert Tucker announced he would run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Midland) as a Republican. He ran unsuccessfully for Comanche city council in May, finishing fourth with 12% of the vote (Top two were elected.).
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