Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
Summary
SB 901 amends the Texas Election Code to make a candidate ineligible for the general primary election ballot, nomination by convention, and the succeeding general election if the candidate files for a place on the ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party in the same voting year. The bill is aimed at preventing a candidate from seeking party nominations from multiple parties at once, and it applies to both primary-ballot filings and convention nominations.
The bill also directs the secretary of state to remove the candidate’s name from the primary ballot if the ineligibility is determined within 10 days after the regular filing deadline, and to provide written notice explaining the ineligibility and the option to withdraw. Related provisions in the Election Code are amended so that party officials and certifying officers may not certify the name of a candidate who is to be omitted under the new section. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 901 adds a new disqualification rule to Chapter 162 of the Election Code and cross-references that rule in the certification provisions for state, county, and party officials. In practical terms, it gives the secretary of state authority to enforce a prohibition on multi-party candidacy filings and requires ballot omission and certification denial when the rule is triggered. The bill affects candidates, political parties, election administrators, and the secretary of state, and it changes the eligibility rules for access to the primary ballot and general election ballot in partisan races.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House by a large margin, with only two nay votes on final passage. The vote pattern suggests the Legislature generally agreed with the bill’s goal of preventing candidates from filing with multiple parties in the same election cycle and clarifying election administration procedures.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether a candidate should be barred from multiple avenues of partisan nomination in the same voting year, including the general primary, convention nomination, and the subsequent general election. Supporters likely view the bill as protecting party integrity and preventing strategic or inconsistent candidacies, while any opponents may be concerned about restricting candidate choice or limiting access to the ballot. The bill also places administrative responsibility on the secretary of state and local party officials to identify and enforce ineligibility, which could raise procedural concerns about timing and notice.
Identical
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
Same As
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.