The Texas House of Representatives on Jan. 13, 2021. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneSaturday is election day to fill the final vacant seat in the Texas House, as five candidates vie to fill the position that Republican Drew Springer left to join the state Senate. The safely Republican district covers a large swath of rural northwest Texas wrapping around Wichita Falls and up into the Panhandle. Because of the number of candidates, the race is likely to go to a runoff. Springer vacated the seat last month after winning a special election runoff to replace now-U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Prosper, in the Texas Senate. Greg Abbott ordered a sped-up special election for Springer's state House seat due to the legislative session, which began earlier this month.

The south end of the Texas State Capitol. Credit: Spencer Selvidge for The Texas TribuneFour Republicans and one Democrat have filed for the special election to replace state Sen.-elect Drew Springer, R-Muenster, in the Texas House. They are competing for Springer's seat after he won a special election runoff last month to succeed Pat Fallon in the Texas Senate after the Prosper Republican's promotion to Congress. The special election for Springer's seat is happening on an accelerated schedule with the start of the legislative session — Jan. 12 — looming. Abbott announced the special election a week ago, and early voting begins Jan. 11.