The Midland City Council is set to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 13 to initiate a special election on May 4, aiming to fill the vacant at-large seat on the City Council following the recent passing of Dan Corrales.
City officials underscored that state law mandates a governing body to conduct a special election within 120 days of a vacancy occurring, leading to the decision to call for the special election.
Upon approval of the vote on Tuesday, the City of Midland website will feature a notice of election signed by the mayor and will be accessible to eligible Midland residents interested in filing for the vacant at-large seat. The filing period is slated to commence on Feb. 13 and conclude on March 4. Candidates for an at-large seat must run city-wide.
The successful candidate in the special election will fulfill the remainder of the at-large term until January 2025. Should the individual wish to continue serving as an at-large council representative for another term, they will be required to participate in the November elections.
If the Midland City Council approves the May 4 date for the special election, it will align with other elections scheduled for the uniform election date. This includes elections related to the Midland Central Appraisal District and a utility district within Midland County, as confirmed by the Midland County Elections Office on Wednesday.
The most recent special election in the City of Midland occurred in January 2020 when John Norman emerged victorious in a three-person race, succeeding John Love III, who had resigned to run for the U.S. Senate, to represent District 2.
In a historical context, back in July 2008, Jerry Morales secured a special election victory for an at-large city council seat, previously held by Wes Perry after his election as Mayor in November 2007.
The last Midland City Council member to pass away while in office was then-District 2 representative James Bradford in 2003. Vicky Hailey was elected in May 2003 to fill the vacant seat at that time.