Retirements and decisions to run for other offices in the last few months have created a changing landscape for upcoming elections.
See below for the recent special election announcements or future conditions which will continue to change the make-up of the 84th Session.
August 5 Special Election Runoff
SD 4 – The only currently ongoing special election is the seat vacated by Sen. Tommy Williams-R who left to take a position with the Texas A&M University System. Rep. Brandon Creighton-R and Rep. Steve Toth-R are the two candidates left in the special election runoff which is scheduled for August 5, early voting has already begun. Both Creighton (HD 16) and Toth (HD 15) left their seats open to be filled in the regular election cycle this year.
September 9 Special Election
SD 28 – Sen. Robert Duncan-R was recently selected as the new chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. Duncan resigned his seat and a special election has been called for September 9 to fill the seat. Early voting will begin August 25. The filing deadline to enter the race is August 1.
Future Situations
SD 26 – Sen. Leticia Van de Putte-D and Sen. Dan Patrick-R are opponents in the race for lieutenant governor; because of staggered terms, Patrick (SD 7) left his seat open to be filled in the regular election cycle while Van de Putte was not required to retire. If Van de Putte wins in the race for lieutenant governor, a special election will be called to fill her vacant seat.
SD 18 – Sen. Glenn Hegar-R, who is running against Mike Collier-D for Comptroller, did not have to resign his seat to run. If Hegar wins his race, a special election will be necessary for his Senate seat. If a House member decides to run for and wins Hegar's Senate seat, a special election will be necessary to fill that House seat
Selecting New Candidates
HD 83 – Rep. Charles Perry-R has decided to run for Duncan’s open seat. Perry has dropped out of his reelection bid requiring Republican and Democratic Party chairmen for the counties in District 83 to choose candidates to fill HD 83 ballot positions.
HD 123 – San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro has been confirmed to his appointment as federal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Rep. Mike Villarreal-D has decided to run for Mayor. Villarreal could drop out of his reelection campaign to focus on his mayoral run. In this case, Bexar County party chairmen would choose candidates to fill the ballot positions for HD 123. If Villarreal does not resign, a victory in his mayoral run would necessitate a special election. If he does not resign and does not win, he will continue to serve as the HD 123 representative.