Key Highlights to Watch on Texas Election Day
Texans are gearing up for a significant Election Day on Tuesday, with 17 proposed amendments to the state Constitution on the ballot. Voters will also fill vacancies in Congress and the state Senate, alongside various local offices and bond measures. This off-year election is expected to attract a smaller turnout compared to even-year presidential elections, despite the critical issues that will be decided.
As the polls opened on Tuesday, over one million Texans had already participated in early voting, which lasted for 12 days and concluded last week. Here are the key highlights to watch on Texas Election Day.
Election Highlights in Texas
18th Congressional District Special Election
The residents of Texas’ 18th Congressional District are set to vote in a special election to complete the term of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who passed away in March. The race features 16 candidates, but it’s uncertain if any will secure the necessary 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff will be held early next year between the top two finishers.
- Leading candidates: Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards, both Democrats.
- Jolanda Jones, another Democrat, is expected to be competitive after a delayed campaign announcement.
- Carmen Montiel Maria, a former Republican nominee, is polling well among Republican candidates.
This district has a history of electing prominent Black politicians. However, recent redistricting may influence the outcome, as boundaries will shift in the upcoming March primary.
Senate District 9 Special Election
Northern Texas will hold a special election for the state Senate seat that Kelly Hancock vacated in June. Two Republicans, Leigh Wambsganss and John Huffman, are competing against Democrat Taylor Rehmet. The victor will serve until the end of Hancock’s term in 2026.
- Republican candidates: Leigh Wambsganss has garnered endorsements from notable figures, including Donald Trump.
- John Huffman has received significant contributions from casino magnates and pro-gambling groups.
- Taylor Rehmet is campaigning on working-class issues as a Democrat.
The district, which includes parts of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, heavily favored Trump in the last election.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Texas voters will decide on 17 amendments impacting property taxes, water management, and criminal justice reform. Key propositions include:
- Proposition 2: No taxes on earnings from capital assets and ending the franchise tax on business trusts.
- Proposition 13: Increases the tax exemption on a home’s value to $140,000 for public school funding.
- Proposition 4: Allocates $20 billion over 20 years for water projects to enhance infrastructure and address resource shortages.
- Proposition 3: Requires judges to deny bail for specific felonies if necessary for public safety.
- Proposition 12: Changes the State Commission on Judicial Conduct’s structure by increasing the governor’s appointment power.
- Proposition 14: Establishes a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute to address various brain diseases.
These amendments reflect Texas’ ongoing challenges related to taxes, water supply, and public safety, making the upcoming vote crucial for many residents.
