AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the date for a special election to replace deceased Rep. Sylvester Turner.

Abbott issued a proclamation to hold a special election on Nov. 4, 2025. Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5 p.m. Sept. 3. Early voting will begin Monday, Oct. 20. 

Turner, the former Houston mayor, died March 5 during his first term in Congress. He represented the 18th Congressional District. It includes parts of Houston and Harris County and has nearly 800,000 residents.

Gov. Abbott has faced accusations from Democrats of delaying the call for the special election.

Abbott said he’s concerned about election issues in Harris County.

“No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County,” said Abbott. “They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law. Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state. Forcing Harris County to rush this special election on weeks’ notice would harm the interests of voters. The appropriate time to hold this election is November, which will give Harris County sufficient time to prepare for such an important election.”

Teneshia Hudspeth, the chief elections officer in Harris County, pushed back on Abbott’s criticism, saying the county is “fully prepared” to hold the election for the congressman’s replacement.