Three weeks following the death of U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, Governor Greg Abbott has yet to announce a special election to fill his seat in Congress, representing a predominantly Democratic district in Houston.

Sylvester Turner’s Legacy

Sylvester Turner, known for his nearly 30 years in the Texas House and tenure as mayor of Houston, passed away on March 5, during his first term in Congress. His funeral occurred on March 15, following his election to succeed the late Sheila Jackson Lee, who held the seat prior to Turner’s election.

The Role of the Governor

Under Texas law, Governor Abbott holds the exclusive authority to call a special election to fill Turner’s position for the remainder of the current congressional term. While state regulations do not specify a timeline for this decision, any election must transpire within two months of the governor’s announcement.

Abbott’s hesitation is notable considering the potential impact on the balance of power in Congress, as the district typically supports Democratic candidates.

Political Implications

Turner’s passing, alongside the recent death of U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva from Arizona due to cancer complications, poses significant challenges for the Republican Party, which currently maintains a slim majority in the House of Representatives. In the absence of Turner’s seat, the party holds 218 seats to 213 for the Democrats, allowing minimal room for error in close votes.

Congressional District 18, which covers parts of Houston, is a consistent Democratic stronghold. If Abbott were to call for a special election and a Democrat were to win, the majority would decrease further, creating apprehension among Republican legislators.

Reactions and Responses

Democratic leaders have criticized Abbott for the absence of a decisive action to call a special election, asserting that he is preventing nearly 800,000 constituents from having representation in Congress. State Representative Gene Wu of Houston commented, “Abbott is leaving 800,000 Texans voiceless at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”

U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the House Democrats, also called for clarity on the issue, questioning Abbott’s inaction through social media.

Upcoming Election Dates and Expectations

The next election date in Texas is set for May 3. According to state election law, Abbott would have needed to announce the special election by March 18 for it to be scheduled on that date. Given the timeline and logistical needs associated with preparing elections, experts have suggested that the window for a May election may have closed.

Chad Dunn, a Democratic election attorney, asserts there is still sufficient time for the state to carry out a special election by May if Abbott decides promptly.

Looking Ahead

Although Abbott may opt for an “emergency” special election, a precedent exists for swift responses in similar situations; he called elections within days of the funerals of previous representatives. Yet, the increasing partisanship may be influencing his current delay, contrary to historical practices where states sought to ensure full congressional representation.

As both Texas and national political dynamics evolve, the outcome of this delayed special election holds significant weight for the future legislative agenda.