Abbott issued the proclamation setting the election on Thursday, and candidates had to file applications with the secretary of state’s office by the end of the day.
The winner of the special election would serve out the rest of Schatzline’s term, which ends on Jan. 11. The winner of the general election held the same day would be sworn in Jan. 12, the first day of the legislative session.
Democrat Ericka Lomick and Republican Alan Blaylock are running for Schatzline’s former district, which includes the north side of Fort Worth and stretches to the northern part of Tarrant County.
Schatzline announced in October 2025 that he would not seek reelection after he accepted a position with an advisory group focused on faith issues. He resigned from office July 2 to work as a senior adviser to Abbott.
The Texas Democratic Party questioned Abbott’s decision Thursday to call a special election, saying it raises “serious questions.”
“Texans deserve a clear explanation for why the governor is rushing to fill a seat that voters are already scheduled to decide in just a few months,” the party said in a statement.
Abbott’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment.
The governor issued a similar proclamation Tuesday calling for a special election to replace Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, who resigned in May to join the Pentagon. The special election to serve out the rest of Birdwell’s term, which also ends Jan. 11, is on Election Day.