GHBA HOME-PAC

HOME-PAC Political Update

Bradley PepperAdvocacy

Primary elections were held roughly six weeks ago on March 2 and if a candidate did not receive 50 percent plus one vote in a race, then a runoff election is needed between the top two vote-getters. The runoff election was originally scheduled for May 26, but last month Governor Greg Abbott delayed the runoffs until July 14 with early voting starting on July 6.  As a reminder, below are the notable runoffs in GHBA’s area. 

Texas Congressional District 22: In the race to replace retiring Congressman Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land), Sri Preston Kulkarni won the Democratic primary and in a 15-person Republican primary race, former Sheriff Troy Nehls will face Kathaleen Wall in the runoff. 

Texas House of Representatives District 25: In a safely Republican seat, Ro’Vin Garrett and Cody Thane Vasut will face each other in the Republican runoff in the race to fill the seat of retiring House Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton). The winner will face Democrat Patrick Henry in the General Election. 


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Texas House of Representatives District 26: In the race to replace retiring Rep. Rick Miller (R-Sugar Land), HOME-PAC endorsed candidate Jacey Jetton will face Matt Morgan in the Republican runoff, while Suleman Lalani and Sarah DeMerchant will face each other in the Democratic runoff.  

Texas House of Representatives District 142: In the Democratic Primary, incumbent State Rep. Harold Dutton (R-Houston) will face current Houston City Council Member Jerry Davis (R-Houston) in the runoff for this safely Democratic seat.  

Voting by Mail

Due to the concern about COVID-19, there has been a lot of discussion about expanding voting by mail beyond those who are currently eligible for absentee ballots. A state district judge has said he will move forward with an order to ease the restrictions on voting by mail to anyone that is fearful of contracting the virus, but that will almost certainly be appealed by the State as well as other entities. We will follow that issue as it moves through the system and update accordingly. 

Our smaller municipalities and political subdivisions (school boards, special districts) were scheduled to have elections on May 2 with Early Voting beginning next Monday, April 20. Initially, Governor Abbott gave municipalities and political subdivisions the discretion to move their election until November based on what they deemed best for their communities. But earlier this month the state changed their mind and directed election officials that they must move their elections until November or face criminal violations.  

As is the reality during this crisis, the status of our elections and how they will be conducted remains fluid. GHBA will keep everyone updated as we get information. 

About the Author

Bradley Pepper

Government Affairs Director Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA)

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