Democrats had controlled theTexas Senate since the1872 elections.[1] Long a part of theSolid South, Republicans had gained a foothold in the state in the past two decades, electing U.S. SenatorJohn Tower in1961 and electingRichard Nixon with 66% of the vote in1972, but these gains rarely made much impact in downballot, local races. Democrats had controlled every statewide office since the end ofReconstruction and controlled largesupermajorities in thelegislature. Even these small numbers were an improvement from the past two decades, however, such as after the 1964 election when they held a single seat in theHouse and none in the Senate.[2]
DemocratMax Sherman resigned in September 1977, and a special election was called, to be held concurrently with the November general election. No candidate received a majority of the vote, so a runoff was held in December.[3] Former Republican CongressmanBob Price narrowly won the runoff, flipping the seat.[4]
^abSpecial election returns for State Legislature, 1977, Texas Secretary of State election registers. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
^Election Returns: November 7, 1978, Texas Secretary of State election registers. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
