A special election to fill a vacancy in the Texas House is now scheduled, but not in time for the winner to participate in special legislative sessions that are underway now.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced today that a special election for House District 2 will be held on Tuesday, November 7—the same date as the election to vote on constitutional amendments passed during this year’s regular legislative session.
Disgraced former State Rep. Bryan Slaton, a Republican from Royse City, was expelled from the House on May 9, after an internal investigation found he had provided alcohol to a 19-year-old staff member prior to having sex with her at his apartment, then attempted to cover up the situation.
Seven potential candidates have already announced their intent to run for the vacant seat: Kenneth Neal Barker, Jill Dutton, Heath Enix Hyde, Brent Money, Doug Roszhart, Krista Schild, and David VanTrease.
The candidate filing deadline is September 6.
The election will be a “jungle primary,” with all candidates competing in a single election.
The winner must receive a majority vote, so a runoff is likely.
Even without a runoff, though, the winner is unlikely to be seated in time to participate in any of the multiple special sessions Abbott has indicated will be required to pass his priority legislation. The first special session is already underway.
