Although Election Day is behind us, multiple resignations within the House and Senate mean there are still special elections to look forward to before the start of session and potentially some after the start of session.
Senate District 18
The seat held by Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) since 2007 will become vacant once Hegar resigns to assume his position as Comptroller. Hegar was elected to statewide office beating out three other candidates and receiving just over 58% of votes in the November general election. Depending on Hegar’s resignation plans, a special election could be called and a new Senator could be elected before the beginning of the next legislative session.
Three candidates have already expressed their interest in the seat including current State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). If Kolkhorst is successful in her bid it would necessitate an additional special election in order to fill her seat in House District 13.
House District 123
Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) who has represented the people of San Antonio since the year 2000 has announced his resignation from the House of Representatives in order to focus on the 2015 San Antonio mayoral race. Villarreal’s resignation opens the door for a special election which could happen prior to the coming legislative session.
Sen. Leticia Van De Putte (D-San Antonio), who recently lost a bid for Lt. Governor, may also be interested in the mayoral race. Depending on whether or not Van De Putte runs and whether she resigns to do so, an additional special election could be needed to fill her seat in Senate District 26.
Van De Putte’s potentially vacant seat is already being eyed by two current members of the House of Representatives from San Antonio. Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D) and Rep. Jose Menendez (D) are both considering the potentiality of a run for Senate District 26, if the seat were to open up. If either of those House members happened to win the possible Senate special election, a final special election would be needed to fill their newly vacated seat.
