Eight candidates have filed for the expedited special election to fill the Texas House District 10 seat left vacant when now-former State Rep. Jake Ellzey (R–Waxahachie) was elected to Congress late last month.
The state House district includes all of Ellis County and the northwest portion of Henderson County.
Candidate filing for the August 31 election ended at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 12.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the special election just last week.
The election schedule is “expedited” because the vacancy occurred within 60 days prior to a legislative session—in this case, the ongoing second special session of the 87th Legislature.
The special election is a “jungle primary” in which candidates from all parties compete. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, then the top two candidates—regardless of party affiliation—will advance to a runoff.
Five Republicans and one each Democrat, Independent, and Libertarian have filed:
Republicans
- Kevin Griffin of Midlothian.
- Brian Harrison, a small businessman and former Health and Human Services official in the Trump administration who finished fourth in the May special election for Congressional District 6. Harrison is endorsed by several Republican officials and grassroots activists, as well as Texas Right to Life.
- Susan Hayslip, a Waxahachie lawyer.
- Clark Wickliffe, a real estate agent and Midlothian City Council member.
- John Wray, a Waxahachie attorney and former state representative who held the HD 10 seat prior to Ellzey. After three terms in office, Wray chose not to seek re-election in 2020, saying “elected jobs are not meant to be lifetime positions.”
Democrats
- Pierina Otiniano, an Ennis attorney.
Libertarians/Independents
- Scott Goodwin, an Independent from Waxahachie.
- Matt Savino, a Libertarian from Seven Point who ran against Ellzey for the HD 10 seat in November 2020.
The winner of the House District 10 special election will serve out Ellzey’s unexpired term, which runs through January 2023.
Early voting starts on Monday, August 23. Election Day is Tuesday, August 31.
Check the Ellis County Elections or Henderson County Elections website for voting information.
