Stovall Report: TX-23

What changedSix months after Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned (April 14), we have found no announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott setting a date for a special election to fill the TX-23 seat. The Clerk of the House still lists the seat as vacant.

Why it mattersUntil the seat is filled, TX-23 has no voting member in the U.S. House — no one casting floor votes on the district's behalf.

Who's affectedAll ~800,000 district residents, and anyone with a case pending before a federal agency that was being handled by the congressional office.

What you can doCasework continues: the district office still helps residents with federal agencies under the House Clerk, and both U.S. senators serve all Texans. Contacts are in “Your Representation in Congress” below.

What changedTX-23 votes on Nov. 3 under Texas's new (2025) congressional map, which the U.S. Supreme Court allowed to take effect for 2026. Republican Brandon Herrera and Democrat Katy Padilla Stout are the major-party candidates for the seat.

Why it mattersThe district's boundaries changed, so some residents are now in a different congressional district — and this is the next scheduled chance to elect a representative.

Who's affectedAll registered voters, especially residents near the district's edges whose lines may have shifted.

What you can doThe Oct. 5 voter-registration deadline has passed. Early voting runs Oct. 19–30 and Election Day is Nov. 3 — confirm your registration status and which district you're in at VoteTexas.gov.

What changedThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) held some of the strictest watering limits in its history through spring and summer 2026; after rains it eased from Stage 3 to Stage 2 (one-day-a-week sprinkler limit) in early August. We could not confirm the stage in effect in October.

Why it mattersWatering rules affect daily life in the district's most populous corner, while low rangeland moisture keeps pressure on ranchers across the rural counties.

Who's affectedSan Antonio–area households on the district's eastern edge, and ranchers and farmers district-wide.

What you can doCheck your current SAWS stage and watering day at saws.org before you water; rural producers can track conditions on the U.S. Drought Monitor.