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Tuesdays special election in Texas House District 123 offers an array of eager candidates vying to replace 14-year state Rep. Mike Villarreal.

Hopefuls include Green and Libertarian contenders, three Democrats and one Republican, all faced with an abbreviated campaign schedule during the holidays, no less to seek support in a potentially low-turnout election.

Villarreal, D-San Antonio, was re-elected Nov. 4, but with lawmakers set to convene Jan. 13, he doesnt intend to serve. Instead, hes giving up the seat to run for mayor.

His departure set up the special election scramble, which could result in a runoff if no candidate captures a majority. Early voting concludes today at 14 polling sites.

Also on the short ballot is a five-candidate race to replace state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, whos also exiting the Legislature to run for mayor in May.

Candidates for the House seat are relying largely on social media to win voters attention, but some have extensive door-to-door campaigns underway and a few have issued numerous direct-mail pieces.

The Libertarian candidate is salesman Roger V. Gary, 68. He served six years on the board of the San Antonio River Authority before running for the Texas Railroad Commission in 2010 and for president of the United States in 2012. He said hes been a watchdog of local water-management policies and opposes current plans for a new water pipeline, as well as toll roads.

Representing the Green Party is clinical psychologist and sleep disorder specialist Paul Ingmundson, 62. He was Villarreals only opponent in November, garnering 14 percent of the vote. Responding to a League of Women Voters questionnaire for that race, he said he was active in progressive politics and an advocate for clean energy, Medicaid expansion, better regulation of water and protection of voter rights.

Republican Nunzio Previtera, 61, an insurance agent and small-business owner, is making his first run for office. A member of the State Republican Executive Committee, Previtera said he wasnt politically active until a few years ago when he decided the country was going in the wrong direction.

Rather than gripe about it you can get involved, he said.

The rest is here:
Diverse field in sprint for Texas House seat