Governor Abbott Issues Proclamation Ordering Special Election for Texas Senate District 22

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an official election proclamation Wednesday afternoon scheduling a special election for Texas Senate District 22 to take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Vacancy and District Boundaries

The special election was triggered by the resignation of longtime Republican State Senator Brian Birdwell, who stepped down from the upper chamber to accept an appointment as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness and Force Protection. Senate District 22 covers a sprawling 10-county region spanning North and Central Texas, including Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Navarro, Somervell, and McLennan counties.

The winner of the special election will immediately qualify to serve the remainder of Birdwell’s unexpired term, which extends through January 11, 2027, ensuring the district has legislative representation during pre-session committee hearings and bill filings.

Concurrent Ballot and Candidate Deadlines

Voters in District 22 will simultaneously vote in two separate contests on the November 3 ballot: the special election for the interim term and the general election for the upcoming full four-year legislative term. Candidates seeking to run in the special election must file formal ballot applications with the Texas Secretary of State Elections Division before 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Early voting for the dual elections will commence across all 10 counties on Monday, October 19, and conclude on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Secretary of State Administrative Actions

The Secretary of State’s Elections Division posted formal ballot instructions and filing notices to county election administrators Wednesday evening to ensure synchronized voting equipment programming.