Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has delayed calling a special election to fill the vacancy in Texas’s 18th Congressional District.
The delay follows the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and has sparked criticism, with some suggesting political motivations behind the governor's decision, Washington Examiner reported.
Rep. Sylvester Turner, who represented Texas’s 18th Congressional District, passed away on March 5, leaving the seat unoccupied. Nearly a month has passed without a special election being announced. Governor Abbott has attributed this delay to concerns over election management in Harris County.
The Governor has voiced concerns over Harris County's past performance in administering elections, referring to it as a "repeat failure." According to Abbott, rushing to announce an election could potentially result in another problematic situation. He expressed the need for the county to have adequate preparation time to ensure a fair and accurate electoral process.
These concerns have been met with opposition from Harris County officials. Teneshia Hudspeth, the Harris County Clerk, has defended the county's election administration track record. Hudspeth highlighted the success of conducting eight elections since taking charge of election duties on September 1, 2023.
This includes the successful execution of the 2024 joint primary election. We remain fully prepared to conduct the Congressional District 18 election as soon as the Governor issues the order.
--Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk
Criticism over Abbott’s delay is not just coming from Harris County. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested that the delay might result in a legal challenge against the governor. Jeffries is not alone in contemplating legal action; Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder has expressed readiness to pursue similar action if an election is not called.
Christian Menefee, the Harris County Attorney and a candidate for the vacant seat, has also voiced his concerns. Menefee has labeled the governor's statements as “nonsense” and accuses Abbott of intentionally stalling the election to benefit Republicans.
Abbott’s previous conduct in similar situations, such as quickly calling a special election following the death of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has fueled further skepticism. That election was scheduled to align with a general election, which is not feasible again for another year and a half, heightening the urgency for a special election.
The balance of power in Congress has only heightened the stakes. Currently, Republicans maintain a narrow majority with 220 seats compared to the Democrats' 213. Critics of the delay, like Menefee, argue this is an effort to maintain the GOP's control.
Amid this contention, Governor Abbott insists that an announcement regarding the special election is forthcoming. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Harris County handles the election process correctly this time around.
The situation has garnered considerable media attention and heightened scrutiny of election administration practices in Texas. As Democrat and Republican leaders continue to clash, the future of the 18th District remains uncertain.
The passing of Rep. Turner led to a vacant Texas House seat. Governor Abbott's delay in calling a special election has drawn ire, as Harris County officials defend their election capabilities.
Legal action looms as criticism mounts on the perceived political motivations behind Abbott's postponement, with potential implications for the balance of power in Congress.
