Abbott announces special election for Texas House seat vacated by expelled lawmaker

The Texas House of Representatives seat that was recently vacated by Republican Bryan Slaton, of Royce City, will be up for grabs as part of a special election slated for Nov. 7. 

According to a report from The Texas Tribune, the race for the district that includes the counties of Hopkins, Hunt and Van Zandt has drawn about five contenders since Gov. Greg Abbott announced it on Monday.

Last month, Austin Journal reported, Slaton announced his resignation from the lower chamber of the Texas Legislature as the fallout from an alleged inappropriate relationship he had with an aide grew. 

A House panel recommended his removal from the lawmaking body after an investigation determined the married father of three had sexual relations with the 19-year-old woman in question. 

During his time in the House, Slaton was known for his adamant conservative stance, having spearheaded an effort to prohibit drag performances.

According to USA Today, the lower chamber voted unanimously on May 9 to expel Slaton despite his resignation. 

He became the second Texas legislator expelled in nearly a century. 

Late last month, former Texas Attorney General (TXAG) Ken Paxton demanded Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) step down because of alleged drunken behavior displayed during evening proceedings.

Paxton, a Republican who was thrice elected as the Lone Star State’s head legal counsel, has been impeached in response to what the same panel that investigated Slaton asserted was years’ worth of abuse of power, retaliation and bribery, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported. 

The House voted 121-23 on Saturday to impeach Paxton, as well as direct the Texas Senate to put him to trial. 

The Texas Tribune reported that Texas House District 2 leans predominantly red, and the field of aspirants looking to fill Slaton’s former seat includes two lawyers and a veterinarian.