The COVID-19 pandemic has forced another cancellation as the May 26 party primary runoff election has been moved to July 14 following recent action by Gov. Greg Abbott.
That election could be moved even further out depending on the situation across the state related to the pandemic. Many of the state’s largest counties have issued shelter-at-home orders and restrictions that limit mass gatherings.
In Gov. Abbott’s proclamation, he said “holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others” which would put the health and safety of Texans at risk.
Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs released an advisory the same day providing guidance for political subdivisions with May 2 elections to postpone those events. Within Montague County, the entities are the only ones that retain May elections.
Last week the City of Nocona moved its election to the Nov. 3 general election day. The city council was the only one to have contested races for two council positions.
Early voting for the runoff primary elections will begin July 6. The District 13 Congressional race on the Republican ticket will have a run off between Josh Winegarner and Ronny Jackson.
On the Democratic ticket there is a runoff between Mary Heger and Royce West to challenge Republican Senator John Cornyn in November.