Governor orders special election for SD 4

AUSTIN– Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Senate District 4 incumbent Brandon Creighton.

Creighton stepped down after being selected as the new Chancellor of Texas Tech University, leaving an opening in the district that consists of Chambers County, as well as parts of Harris, Montgomery, Galveston and Jefferson counties.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, Abbott announced a special election will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. That same day is set for municipal and school elections.

Candidates wishing to have their names placed on the ballot during the special election have until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to file their applications with the Secretary of State's office.

Earlier this month, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon submitted his resignation to clear the way for his candidacy in the SD4 race.

"I am asking the people of SD 4 for their trust and their vote," Ligon said. "I can assure you that no one will work harder than I to earn it."

Ligon has already received the endorsement of Creighton, as well as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

"Brett Ligon is one of Texas' preeminent voices on criminal justice and public safety. He will be a strong leader in the Texas Senate," Patrick said via X.

Ligon has already assembled a lengthy list of endorsements, including local endorsements from Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne and District Attorney Cheryl Lieck Henry.

For more information on Ligon, visit ligonfortexas.com.

The Progress will continue to monitor this race, as well as others that will begin to shape up in the coming weeks.