Texas Governor Abbott sets special election for Senate District 22

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has scheduled a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 22. The seat was vacated by Republican Brian Birdwell, who resigned in May to serve as an assistant U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Candidates for the special election must file applications with the Secretary of State by August 20. The winner will serve the remainder of Birdwell’s term, which expires on January 11.

In the general election on November 3, Republican State Representative David Cook will face Democrat Amy Martinez-Salas to replace Birdwell for a full term. Birdwell, an Army veteran who was injured during the September 11, 2001, attacks while working at the Pentagon, had previously served in the Texas Senate for 15 years.