by Nicole Bradford
Early voting begins Monday, May 20, in a runoff between two former Pearland council members vying for the Republican nomination for Texas House District 29.
Neither Alex Kamkar nor Jeffrey Barry, who served on the council together, received a majority of votes in the March primary. Both resigned from the council in December to run for the position being vacated by retiring Rep. Ed Thompson.
Much discussion regarding Thompson’s seat has centered on Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for private school vouchers, which Thompson opposed. The governor has endorsed Kamkar, while Barry is endorsed by Thompson, who served six terms.
The winner of the May 28 runoff will face Democrat Adrienne Bell in November. Bell ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The 29th District encompasses the north and east portions of Brazoria County.
Early voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 10 locations throughout the county, including three in Pearland: Tom Reid Library, 3522 Liberty Drive, West Pearland Community Center, 2150 Countryplace Parkway, and West Pearland Library, 11801 Shadow Creek Parkway.
Information about the Democratic and Republic runoff races can be found at VOTE411.gov, an interactive website offered by the League of Women Voters of Texas. In addition to information on runoffs and candidates, voters can check their registration status and polling places. To receive non-partisan voting reminders, text VOTERINFO to 80123.
