On the evening of May 1, 2021, the results of the U.S. House of Representatives special election for Texas District 6 were announced, with two Republican candidates, Susan Wright and Jake Ellzey, qualifying for the runoff. The Democrats lost their best chance to expand their House majority this year.
The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by the death of former Republican congressman Ron Wright on Feb. 7, 2021, who received the most votes on May 1 and is the widow of Ron Wright. Texas’ 6th Congressional District is located in the southern and southeastern portions of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including the southeast corner of Tarrant County and Ellis and Navarro counties.
A total of 23 candidates are competing in the special election, including 11 Republican and 10 Democratic candidates. According to the Texas Secretary of State’s website, Susan Wright received 15,052 votes (19.2 percent) to lead the field. Jack Elzer came in second with 10,851 votes (13.8 percent). Democratic candidate Jana Lynne Sanchez came in third with 10,497 votes (13.39 percent).
On Sunday morning, Sanchez conceded defeat. Because the top two candidates did not receive more than half of the vote, the two will be decided through a final runoff.
All Republican candidates won 62 percent of the total votes in the special election, while Democratic candidates received 37 percent.
After the election, Susan spoke about former President Trump’s (Trump) endorsement in a media interview, saying, “I’m heartened by it. I’m honored to have his endorsement. It has once again solidified his confidence and the confidence of many others in my ability to do this job well and continue to make America great.”
During an online virtual rally on the evening of April 29, former President Trump issued a statement in support of Susan Wright. “I’m honored to be a part of this election,” Trump said, “and I hope everyone will come out and vote for Susan Wright on Saturday, May 1.” On Election Day, President Trump issued another statement urging voters to turn out in large numbers to vote for Susan Wright.
Susan Wright has been active in Texas politics for decades and has served on the Executive Committee of the Texas Republican Party and on several boards in Texas’ 6th Congressional District. In the special election, Susan Wright received numerous endorsements, including from the Texas Republican Party and Congressmen Kay Granger (R-Texas) and Louie Gohmert (R-Texas).
Democrats were disappointed by the results. They had hoped to flip the seat long held by Republicans in the election to expand their majority in the House. Sanchez said, “Democrats have a long way to go in the Texas race, but we still have a way to go.”
In an interview last month, Sanchez warned that Democrats could be shut out of this election, according to U.S. media outlet Politico. And he said it would set a discouraging tone for Democratic momentum in 2021.
“There is no worse omen for Democrats than to have two Republicans in a winnable district like this going into a runoff.” Sanchez said, “It’s going to be very embarrassing and frustrating.”
Tom Emmer, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), said, “The Democrats’ socialist agenda has opened our borders, destroyed thousands of energy jobs, and wants to raise middle-class taxes to receive trillions of dollars, which eliminates any possibility of them competing in the region.” “I look forward to a new Republican colleague coming to work in Congress.”
The date of the runoff, which has not yet been announced, will be decided by Governor Greg Abbott (R).
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