The special election for State Senate District 26 will be heading to a run-off. Current office holder Senator Leticia Van de Putte is stepping down to run for mayor of San Antonio.
With five candidates on the ballot Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (HD-116) had the largest share of the votes with 43%. Martinez Fischer said he was happy with the results although he was denied the clear majority needed to avoid a run-off.
“This is a pretty good sign for me that the community is responding to my campaign. I think they are rejecting the politics of attack and the politics of division. So I’m overwhelmed and extremely satisfied.”
At the Election Night watch party at Henry’s Puffy Taco restaurant Martinez Fischer told his supporters that attack ads aimed at him actually helped him with Democratic supporters.
“I want to give special thanks to Dan Patrick and Texans for Lawsuit Reform for a 20 point lead going into round two," said Martinez Fischer.
Martinez Fischer was targeted by the conservative political action committee with broadcast ads calling him "a liberal politician" and "a personal injury trial lawyer." Representative Jose Menendez (HD-124) ,the second place finisher in the election with 25% of the vote, has denied any connection with the negative ads.
But going into the runoff Martinez Fischer said Menendez, also a Democrat, should be careful about getting too cozy with Republicans.
“If Jose Menendez wants to talk about his support with the Republican party…he’s tried that already and I ended up with a 20 point lead,” said Martinez Fischer.
Martinez Fischer actually ended up with an 18 point lead. He says won’t change his strategy in the run-off. He’s still promising voters that if elected he’ll act like a linebacker in the state senate chamber against a Republican majority.
The runoff date is not set yet. It’s expected to be in February. The governor will set the runoff date after votes are canvassed next week.
