Delayed Democracy: How 800,000 Texans Lost Their Voice in Congress

When a Representative dies in office, Governors can't appoint a temporary replacement, but they can delay a special election.

It’s been over two months since Representative Sylvester Turner’s passing, and nearly 800,000 residents of Houston’s 18th Congressional District are still waiting for their seat in Congress to be filled. But don’t worry, Governor Greg Abbott says everything’s fine. He’s scheduled the special election for November 4, a mere eight months after the vacancy…