Bill > SB1033

This bill modifies the Texas Election Code regarding candidate withdrawals in runoff primary elections by extending the deadline for withdrawal from 3 to 5 days after the state canvass and establishing new procedures for what happens when a candidate withdraws. Specifically, if a runoff candidate withdraws on or before 5 p.m. of the fifth day after the last day the state canvass may be conducted, the candidate who received the third-highest number of votes in the general primary election will be placed on the runoff ballot. If a candidate withdraws after this deadline, the remaining candidate automatically becomes the nominee and the runoff election for that office will not be held. The bill clarifies the timing and process for candidate withdrawals, providing more flexibility and a clear protocol for situations where a candidate decides to exit a runoff primary election. These changes will apply to any election ordered on or after the bill's effective date, which is September 1, 2025, ensuring that existing elections are not retroactively impacted by the new provisions.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1033