This Week in Austin, Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
The Race is on for Speaker of the Texas House
Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson, who represents parts of Harris County, was the first to file her candidacy for Speaker last week on Friday, October 23rd. “Ms. T.”, as she is known around the Texas Capitol, joined the Texas House in 1973 and is the second most senior member of the Texas House.
Chairman Trey Martinez-Fischer from San Antonio was the second to file, on Monday, October 26th.
Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival begins this Saturday, October 31st, and will last through November 15th.
View the 2020 Texas Book Festival schedule HERE.
Houston, We Have a Vote!
An astronaut has cast her ballot for the November 3rd election all the way from outer space! Kate Rubins, an astronaut at the International Space Station, cast her absentee ballot in Harris County from the space station.
“We consider it an honor to vote from space so we fill out a form and we vote via absentee ballot and I plan to do that in November,” she said. “I think it’s really important for everybody to vote, and if we can do it from space, then I think folks can do it from the ground, too.”
Legislation was passed in Texas in 1997 allowing astronauts to cast their votes from space.
Michael Bloomberg Donates to Texas Railroad Commissioner Candidate
Michael Bloomberg is sending big money to Texas in the last stretch before the November 3rd election, including a $2.6 million contribution to the Texas Democrat running for Railroad Commissioner, Chrysta Castaneda.
Last Week to Vote Early
This week is the last week for early voting with Election Day just around the corner. This Friday, October 30th, is the final day for early voting in Texas. Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3rd, however, it could take some time to finalize the election’s results.
Trick or Treat!
The Witch is IN! Go ahead and enjoy your Halloween weekend and we will be here at the office ready to update you on EVERYTHING election-related next week!
The year 2020 has sure played a trick on us—now where do we get our treats?! The holiday season may be a little different this year but we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween, whatever you do!