Bill > HB4453

This bill fundamentally transforms Texas's primary election system by creating a nonpartisan primary election process where all eligible voters can participate regardless of party affiliation. The bill eliminates the traditional partisan primary system and replaces it with a new approach where candidates for state and county offices and U.S. Congress will be selected through a single primary election where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. Key provisions include allowing all voters to participate in primaries, requiring candidates to file applications with either a filing fee or petition signatures, establishing new rules for candidate eligibility, and modifying various election code sections to support this new system. The bill changes how political parties can engage with candidates, preventing them from directly nominating candidates while still allowing endorsements. Filing fees are maintained for various offices, and the bill specifies the minimum number of petition signatures required for candidates. Political parties will now be limited to selecting party officers and presidential nominees through their primary elections. The new system is designed to create a more open and inclusive electoral process, reducing partisan barriers to candidate selection and voter participation. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election officials and political organizations time to prepare for the new system.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4453