Governor Abbott Issues HD 118 Special Election Proclamation
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, the resignation of the Honorable Leo Pacheco, and its acceptance, has caused a vacancy to exist in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 118, which is wholly contained within Bexar County; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution and Section 203.002 of the Texas Election Code require that a special election be ordered upon such a vacancy, and Section 3.003 of the Texas Election Code requires the special election to be ordered by proclamation of the Governor; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Sections 5 and 40, and Article IV, Section 8 of the Texas Constitution authorize the Governor to call an extraordinary session of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, I have called a third extraordinary session of the 87th Legislature to convene on Monday, September 20, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the vacancy in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 118 occurred on August 23, 2021, which, under Section 203.013(a)(2) of the Texas Election Code, is within the 60 days immediately prior to the date of convening any session of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, Section 203.013(c) of the Texas Election Code provides that an expedited special election must be held on a Tuesday or Saturday occurring not earlier than the 21st day or later than the 45th day after the date the election is ordered;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby order a special election to be held in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 118 on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, for the purpose of electing a state representative to serve out the unexpired term of the Honorable Leo Pacheco.
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 Monday, September 13, 2021.
Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Monday, September 20, 2021 in accordance with Sections 85.001(a) and (d) of the Texas Election Code.
A copy of this order shall be mailed immediately to the Bexar County Judge, which is the county within which Texas State House of Representatives District No. 118 is wholly contained, and all appropriate writs shall be issued and all proper proceedings shall be followed to the end that said election may be held to fill the vacancy in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 118 and its result proclaimed in accordance with law.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office
in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 7th day of September, 2021.
Governor Greg Abbott