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Governor Abbott calls for special election after Farenthold resignation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling for a special election on June 30 for the seat left vacant by the resignation of Rep. Blake Farenthold which came months after news surfaced about a sexual harassment settlement he made with a former staffer, the Texas Tribune reports.

Why it matters: Abbott announced in his proclamation that it's important to fill the seat as the counties previously covered by Farenthold "continue to be under the state disaster declaration related to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey." The candidate deadline to file is Friday.

"All counties contained within this district continue to be under the state disaster declaration related to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, making it imperative that we fill this vacancy as soon as possible....Hurricane relief efforts depend heavily on action at the federal level, which can only occur if Texans residing in disaster zones have full and effective representation in Congress. I remain committed to ensuring that the 27th Congressional District is fully represented as the recovery process continues."
— Abbott
Special elections