Gov. Abbott Orders Emergency Special Election For The 27th Congressional District, Demands Farenthold Cover Costs

“All counties contained within this district continue to be under the state disaster declaration related to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, making it imperative that we fill this vacancy as soon as possible,” said Governor Abbott.

Gov. Abbott Orders Emergency Special Election For The 27th Congressional District, Demands Farenthold Cover Costs

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation ordering an emergency special election to elect a United States Representative for Texas Congressional District 27 to serve out the current unexpired term. The emergency special election will be held in Congressional District 27 on Saturday, June 30, 2018. In the event of a runoff, that election will likely be held in September.

“All counties contained within this district continue to be under the state disaster declaration related to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, making it imperative that we fill this vacancy as soon as possible,” said Governor Abbott. “Hurricane relief efforts depend heavily on action at the federal level, which can only occur if Texans residing in disaster zones have full and effective representation in Congress. I remain committed to ensuring that the 27th Congressional District is fully represented as the recovery process continues.”

All candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2018.

Early voting by personal appearance will begin on June 13, 2018, and end on June 26, 2018.

The 27th Congressional District of Texas consists of all or parts of Aransas, Bastrop, Caldwell, Calhoun, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Wharton counties.

Governor Abbott Demands Blake Farenthold Cover Costs Of Emergency Special Election

Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to former United States Congressman Blake Farenthold demanding that he cover all costs for the upcoming emergency special election for the 27th Congressional District of Texas. The emergency special election is being held to fill the seat now vacant following Mr. Farenthold’s resignation.

“While you have publicly offered to reimburse the $84,000 in taxpayer funds you wrongly used to settle a sexual harassment claim, there is no legal recourse requiring you to give that money back to Congress,” writes Governor Abbott. “I am urging you to give those funds back to the counties in your district to cover the costs of the June 30, 2018, special election. This seat must be filled, and the counties and taxpayers in the 27th Congressional District should not again pay the price for your actions.”

The emergency special election will be held in Congressional District 27 on Saturday, June 30, 2018. In the event of a runoff, that election will likely be held in September.