In Reply to: Next move: Ken Paxton replaces Pam Bondi posted by DSCBruin on March 05, 2026 at 14:23:44
That would be a smart move by the GOP.
I asked chatgpt as per the texas rules.
"If Ken Paxton wins the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Texas and then withdraws before the general election, Texas law allows the party to replace the nominee.
What happens step-by-step
Vacancy in nomination occurs
If Paxton withdraws, dies, or becomes ineligible after winning the primary, it creates a “vacancy in nomination” under the Texas Election Code.
Texas Republican Party picks a replacement
The replacement is chosen by the Republican Party of Texas State Republican Executive Committee (SREC).
This committee is made up of party officials from each Texas Senate district.
They vote to select the new nominee.
The new nominee goes straight to the general election ballot
The person chosen by the committee becomes the Republican candidate in the general election against the Democratic nominee.
Important details
The runner-up in the primary does NOT automatically get the nomination (so someone like John Cornyn would not automatically become the nominee if he lost the primary).
The party could choose any eligible Republican, even someone who did not run in the primary.
This replacement process must occur before the general election ballot deadline so the new candidate can be certified.
Why this rule exists
It prevents a situation where a party wins the primary but ends up with no candidate in November."