Governor Abbott Sets January 29 As Election Date For Special Election For House District 79
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, the December 19, 2018 letter declining office by the Honorable Joe C. Pickett has caused a vacancy to exist in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 79, which is wholly contained within El Paso 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, pursuant to Section 203.013(a), the vacancy occurred during the 60 days immediately prior to the date of convening the 86th Regular Legislative Session; 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. 79 on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, for the purpose of electing a state representative to serve out the remainder of the full term of office declined by the Honorable Joe C. Pickett.
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 Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Monday, January 14, 2019, in accordance with Sections 85.001(a) and (c) of the Texas Election Code.
A copy of this order shall be mailed immediately to the El Paso County Judge which is the county within which Texas State House of Representatives District No. 79 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. 79 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 21st day of December, 2018.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor