Special Election Set for Vacant Texas Senate Seat in May

On Thursday, Governor Greg Abbott announced a special election on May 2 to fill the Texas Senate District 4 seat left vacant by Republican Brandon Creighton, who resigned to become chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.

According to Abbott’s official statement, candidates must file their applications by March 3, 2026. Early voting begins April 20, 2026. The seat, which has been unfilled since October 2, will remain vacant for at least seven months, though the Texas Legislature is not expected to convene during that time. The next regular legislative session begins in January 2027.

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon has launched a campaign for the seat and has secured endorsements from Creighton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell. Additional candidates have not yet been officially confirmed.

Senate District 4 includes most of Montgomery County, parts of east Harris and Jefferson counties, and all of Chambers County. 

The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of Creighton’s term, which runs through January 2027. Voters will elect a senator for the next full term in November 2026.