TX-23: When will Gov. Abbott call a special election for Texas' 23rd Congressional District? [View all]

The timing of when Abbott sets the special election matters. He could set the date as early as May 2, the next uniform election day, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Or Abbott could delay the election to Nov. 3, which is the date of the midterm general election. Abbott could also declare an emergency and set another date.

The later the special election, the longer the 23rd District remains without representation in Congress, and the longer the Republican majority is without a vote from a GOP-leaning district.

However, the Democratic nominee for the 23rd district, Katy Padilla Stout, has other ideas.

“We are demanding the Governor Abbott immediately call a special election,” she told Texas Public Radio.



https://www.tpr.org/government-politics/2026-04-15/when-will-gov-abbott-call-a-special-election-for-texas-23rd-congressional-district