Delayed delivery of 2020 redistricting data from the U.S. Census Bureau to the states has likewise delayed states’ ability to complete their decennial redrawing of political district maps. That, in turn, could cause Texas’ 2022 primary elections—now set for March 1—to be postponed.

During the second special legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed a plan to reschedule next year’s primary elections depending on when new district maps are approved.

Senate Bill 13, sent to the governor on August 31 and signed today, sets new dates for the 2022 primary candidate filing period, election, and runoff, based on when a redistricting plan adopted by the Legislature becomes law:

By November 15, 2021
Candidate Filing: November 29-December 13, 2021
Primary Election: March 1, 2022
Primary Runoff: May 24, 2022

November 16-December 28, 2021
Candidate Filing: January 10-24, 2022
Primary Election: April 5, 2022
Primary Runoff: June 21, 2022

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December 29, 2021-February 7, 2022
Candidate Filing: February 21-March 7, 2022
Primary Election: May 24, 2022
Primary Runoff: July 26, 2022

The redistricting process is on the agenda for the upcoming third special session starting September 20.

Based on census data received in August, the Legislature will propose new districts for Congress, the State Board of Education, and the Texas House and Senate. Following final adoption by both chambers, each redistricting bill will go to the governor to sign into law.

A new round of public hearings began this week in the House and Senate redistricting committees and continues through September 18.

UPDATED to add the governor’s signing of SB 13.

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