The bill amends the Texas Election Code regarding the withdrawal of candidates in runoff primary elections. It specifies that candidates in a runoff election are those who receive the highest and second highest number of votes in the main election, or who tie for the highest number of votes. Additionally, it establishes a new deadline for candidates wishing to withdraw from the runoff election, moving it to 5 p.m. on the fifth day after the last day on which the state canvass may be conducted for the election.

Furthermore, if a candidate withdraws before this deadline, the candidate who received the third highest number of votes in the general primary election will be entitled to a place on the runoff ballot. If a candidate withdraws after the deadline, the remaining candidate will automatically become the nominee, and the runoff election for that office will not take place. The changes will apply to elections ordered on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 2.023, Election Code 172.059 (Election Code 172, Election Code 2)