Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a special election to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the recent passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas). The special election is scheduled for Nov. 5, coinciding with the general election. Jackson Lee, who served her Houston seat since 1994, passed away at the age of 74 on July 19 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Critics have raised concerns about the simultaneous special and general elections causing voter confusion. Mike Doyle, chair of the Harris County Democrats, criticized Abbott’s decision, calling it an attempt to disrupt the voting process in the traditionally Democrat stronghold.
Abbott’s move could potentially divert resources and attention from Democrat candidates campaigning for the full-term seat, weakening their campaigns and potentially benefiting non-Democratic candidates in the general election. Democrat leaders in Texas are preparing to nominate a replacement candidate for Jackson Lee’s vacant seat.
Candidates interested in running in the special election must submit their applications by Aug. 22, with early voting scheduled from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. While no names have been officially announced for the special election, several individuals, including Amanda Edwards, Sylvester Turner, Letitia Plummer, Jarvis Johnson, Dwight Boykins, and Christina Morales, have expressed interest in running for the full-term election. Please revise
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