Texas governor seeks ruling on when he can call special election for Blake Farenthold seat

AUSTIN — Saying Texans in the Coastal Bend vitally need representation in Congress, Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a ruling on whether he can suspend certain laws to call a quick special election to fill the vacancy Blake Farenthold left when he resigned this month.

The governor said in a letter dated Thursday to Attorney General Ken Paxton state and federal laws are contradictory and confusing when it comes to filling a congressional vacancy, especially when circumstances require speedy action.

"It is imperative to restore representation for the people of that district as quickly as possible," Abbott said in the letter. "I am acutely concerned about this issue because many of the district's residents are still recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Harvey."

Farenthold, first elected in 2010 to represent Texas' 27th Congressional District, resigned under fire April 6. In December, it was learned that taxpayer money was used to settle a 2014 sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by a former aide. At the time, he promised to repay the treasury, but has not done so.

Read more: https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/texas/state-bureau/2018/04/20/texas-governor-special-election-blake-farentholds-seat/535581002/