We have election results for various kinds of special elections in South Carolina, Connecticut, and Texas today. Many of them have the potential to be competitive so make sure you’re checking in with us throughout the night as we will be the only reporting service to have the election results all in one place. Also, if you still haven’t signed up for our newsletter, be sure to do that in the field on the right side of this page. There’s no better way to stay up to date with an exciting and ever-changing midterm year ahead.
South Carolina Senate 31st District
The first race takes us to South Carolina where the seat in the 31st Senate District is vacant after Hugh Leatherman passed away back in November. Senator Leatherman had served in the South Carolina Senate since 1981, chairing the Finance Committee since 2001, and also served as Senate President pro tempore. He eventually had the title Senate President pro tempore emeritus created for him. He was largely considered one of the most powerful figures in South Carolina state politics. The 31st District covers most of Florence County and a small portion of Darlington County. Since only one Democrat filed to run there is only a Republican primary today. Facing off in that race is State Representative Jay Jordan and local businessman Mike Reichenbach. The winner will face Democrat Suzanne La Rochelle in a special general election on March 29. We will have the election results once polls close at 7 p.m. (EST)
Connecticut House of Representatives 144th District
The other state legislative race today takes us to Stamford, Connecticut, where the seat in the 144th District is vacant after Caroline Simmons was elected mayor of Stamford. You may remember that Mayor Simmons had to defeat the then incumbent mayor David Martin in the Democratic primary, and then MLB legend and local hero Bobby Valentine in the general election to win her current office. This is the fourth state legislative special election in Stamford, which has had six House and two Senate seats, in the last 12 months. The candidates for today’s contest were chosen by local party conventions. Republicans chose local healthcare worker Danny Melchionne, while Democrats went with public policy advisor and U.S. Army reservist Hubert Delany. We will have the election results once polls close at 8 p.m. (EST)
Bonus Coverage: City Council Special Elections in Texas
We also have election results from city council special elections happening in Houston and Austin today. In both races, city council seats are vacant due to former councilors’ resignations to run for higher office. Both races will go to a runoff if no candidate wins a 50%+1 majority of the vote. Polls for these races close at 7 p.m. (CST)