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AP Decision Notes: What to Expect in Texas’ Special Congressional Runoff

This Saturday, voters in Houston's 18th Congressional District and State Senate District 9 decide runoffs, with polls closing at 7 p.m. CST and AP declaring winners once gaps are unbridgeable.
The runoffs follow vacancies created when Sylvester Turner died and Kelly Hancock left to become acting state comptroller, with top finishers advancing after no majority in the Nov. 4 special elections.
Turnout figures show about 76,000 people voted in the prior special election, roughly 20% of 381,000 registered voters, with 51% voting early or by absentee ballot.
The winners will restore representation as two Democrats are guaranteed to temporarily narrow the House's slim Republican majority, though the U.S. House winner will serve briefly due to Texas midterm redistricting.
Redistricting earlier this year by the Texas Legislature shaped district maps more favorable to Republicans, while three other vacant congressional seats in California, Georgia, and New Jersey add broader election context; recount rules allow challenges if margins are under 10% or 1,000 votes.

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