Note: this report has been updated since we issued our breaking news alert.
U.S. Rep. Van Taylor (R-Plano) announced he is resigning following confirmation of an extra-marital affair, which became public over the weekend.
“About a year ago, I made a horrible mistake that has caused deep hurt and pain among those I love most in this world,” Taylor said in an email to supporters. “I had an affair, it was wrong, and it was the greatest failure of my life.”
Taylor was held below 50% by four challengers and forced into a runoff against former Collin County Judge Keith Self (R), who received 27% of the vote. Suzanne Harp, who finished third with 21%, will not advance to the runoff following Taylor’s withdrawal. Self will be the Republican nominee and presumptive new member of Congress serving CD3 (Likely R).
“Conservatives who believe family values are the backbone of our nation are held to a high standard,” Self said in a statement. “It is appropriate to respect his decision” to suspend his campaign.
Taylor has until March 16 to withdraw from the race formally so that he does not appear on the runoff ballot.
If Taylor serves the remainder of his term, then a special election would not be required.
HD9 (Safe R): Rep. Chris Paddie (R-Marshall), who was not seeking re-election, has resigned effective today (Wednesday). A special election will be required to fill his unexpired term. Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) faces Lufkin diesel technician Jason Rogers (D) in the general election.
HD142 (Safe D): With 6 voting centers left to be reported, Rep. Harold Dutton holds a 144-vote lead over challenger Candis Houston. Dutton received 56% of the early and absentee vote, giving him a 553-vote advantage headed into Election Day. Houston is leading among Election Day voters, 57%-43%.
Upcoming Deadlines: Results remain unofficial until canvassed, and absentee ballots can continue to be received and have their defects “corrected” through Saturday.
- March 3 – deadline to receive “late domestic” mail ballots
- March 7 – deadline for absentee voters to correct defects in carrier envleopes (which must be done in person), deadline to receive overseas mail ballots
- March 10 – county canvass by county party chair
- March 13 – deadline for state canvass for all races with potential runoffs by state party chair
- March 16 – deadline for runoff candidate to withdraw and not be on the ballot
- March 17 – state party certifies runoff candidates
- March 23 – deadline for state canvass for races with no potential runoff by state party chair
Between the canvass and the certification, candidates may seek recounts for particularly close elections.
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