A Republican candidate is challenging the election victories of a Democrat who won two Texas House races last week despite previously suspending her campaign over questions about her eligibility to serve.
Attorneys representing Alan Blaylock have formally requested that Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden declare Democrat Ericka Lomick ineligible to serve in House District 93, citing her federal felony convictions.
Lomick received more than 50 percent of the vote in both the special election to fill the remainder of former State Rep. Nate Schatzline’s term and the general election for the term beginning in January.
Blaylock’s attorney Trey Trainor cited federal court records showing Lomick (formerly known as Ericka Flood) pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud conspiracy, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
She was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison in 2011.
Under Texas law, individuals with final felony convictions are generally ineligible to hold public office unless pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities.
Blaylock’s attorneys argue that no such pardon or release has been identified.
“We are not asking anyone to change a single vote count. We are asking state officials to apply the eligibility requirements set by Texas law, so that the voters of House District 93 are represented by someone who is qualified to serve,” Trainor said in a statement.
The challenge follows Lomick’s September announcement that she was suspending her campaign, citing questions about her eligibility to serve.
Despite suspending her campaign, Lomick remained on the ballot and won both elections.
Following her victories, Lomick told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that she believes she is eligible to serve.
Lomick did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
