In an unexpected turn of events, a Democratic candidate who suspended her campaign after her past criminal record was exposed has won the election by defeating her Republican opponent.
According to CBS Texas and other reports on November 8, Erica Romick, the Democratic candidate running for the Texas House of Representatives District 93, secured 50.5% of the vote in unofficial results, edging out Republican opponent Alan Blaylock (49.5%) by a margin of 810 votes.
Romick, a former Walmart analyst, is a political newcomer who entered politics under the Democratic nomination. However, last September, a political action committee (PAC) supporting the Republican candidate revealed her past criminal record, sparking controversy over her qualifications to hold public office.
Court documents obtained by CBS Texas show that Romick was convicted in 2011 in North Carolina of three felony counts, including mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. She was originally sentenced to 63 months in prison.
Texas election laws dictate that individuals convicted of a felony generally cannot hold public office unless they receive a pardon or have their legal disqualifications lifted.
As the controversy grew, Romick suspended her campaign. However, because the deadline for printing ballots had already passed, her name could not be removed from the ballot.
When the votes were tallied, Romick emerged victorious over her Republican opponent. Under Texas election laws, votes cast for a candidate whose name remains on the ballot are counted as valid regardless of their candidate status.
District 93, where the election took place, includes northeast Fort Worth along with Blue Mound, Saginaw, and Haslet.
Local observers suggest that some voters may have been unaware of Romick’s withdrawal or voted along party lines rather than focusing on the individual candidate due to anti-Trump sentiments.
Lane Telford, executive director of the Texas Democratic Party, stated that an issue arose in House District 93 and legal reviews regarding Romick’s eligibility to take office are currently underway.
Telford noted that the legal advisory teams from the Tarrant County Democratic Party and the Texas Democratic Party are working closely with the candidate’s team, Tarrant County election officials, and the Texas Secretary of State’s office, adding that they are accurately interpreting the law to find the best solution for voters.
In Texas, individuals with felony records face strict limitations on holding public office. If Romick’s legislative eligibility is denied, a special election could potentially be held in the district.
Ruben Garcia, a Texas attorney, explained that Texas law clearly states individuals convicted of felonies cannot hold public office unless pardoned.
Blaylock, who lost the election, has signaled potential legal action while questioning Romick’s eligibility to take office. In a statement to CBS Texas, Blaylock stated that while unofficial tallies show the opposing candidate ahead, this alone does not determine who will represent the district.
He further argued that voters deserve an election where qualified candidates compete fairly, noting that his opponent is a convicted felon who failed to disclose the fact on her filing application and subsequently suspended her campaign.
Romick declined requests for comment from CBS Texas, though she told the Dallas Morning News last week that she is awaiting advice from her legal counsel.
