Early primary bill dies in Legislature

The Texas primary election date will NOT be changed.

HB 2017 by Rep. Helen Giddings, D-Dallas, the bill that would have moved the Texas primary election to Feb. 5, died in the closing days of the 80th Texas Legislature.

The bill sailed through the House in April but bogged down in the Senate when it became apparent that at least a dozen senators were lined up to vote against considering it. 

Senate rules say two-thirds of the 31-member body must approve taking up a measure before it can be considered for a floor vote.

Although the idea had the backing of the state Democratic and Republican parties, senators expressed skepticism that Texas would gain much by joining California, New York, Florida and other states flocking to earlier primaries.

 TAB members: download a listing of 2008 political windows, election dates and offices up for election.

Questions? Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.