Runoff election reset for July

The runoff primary election scheduled from May 26 has been postponed until July 14 at the direction of Texas Governor Gregg Abbott.

Milam County resident were expected to decide between two candidates for Precinct 1 Commissioner in the runoff. Incumbent Richard “Opey” Watkins faces Henry “Hub” Hubnik in the runoff after neither garnered the 50 percent in a three-way race needed to win the primary March 3. 

Voters will also decide between Pete Sessions and Renee Swann in the race for U.S. Rep for District 17 as Rep. Bill Flores will be retiring this year.

In a statement the governor’s office said the election has been postponed in conjunction with the state’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

 The postponement of this election serves to help fulfill the Governor’s recent executive orders mandating certain obligation for Texans that are aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, including the encouragement of social distancing. Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. This would threaten the health and safety of many Texans. 

 Early voting for the postponed runoff primary election will begin Monday, July 6.