Council clarifies details of January special election

As Council Member Greg Casar sets his sights on Congress, the city is gearing up to organize his replacement. City Council began yesterday’s meeting with a handful of public speakers acknowledging Casar’s accomplishments for District 4, followed by a wave of questions regarding the special election to fill his seat. Because state law dictates an election must take place within 120 days of an official’s announced resignation, Council cannot wait until the May election to find Casar’s replacement. The special election will take place Jan. 25, with only those registered in District 4 eligible to participate. Early voting begins Jan. 10. Staff explained that today’s passage of the ordinance announcing the election will initiate the filing period for candidates, which will run until Dec. 16. Candidate packets are available at the city clerk’s website. The city clerk’s office clarified that Casar will continue to serve as Council member until a replacement is sworn in on the day of the election’s canvassing – likely around Feb. 4 – ensuring there is no vacancy during the transition. The elected representative will serve the rest of Casar’s four-year term, which ends in January 2025. A calendar of special election dates can be found here.