Council calls Jan. 31 special election to fill Place 8 vacancy

The Grand Prairie City Council voted to call a special election for Jan. 31 to fill the at-large Place 8 vacancy, Mayor presiding. City staff told the council the date ensures compliance with a state rule that bars special elections within 30 days before or after a uniform primary or general election and with the city charter's requirement to fill vacancies within 120 days.

Resident Mister Garza, who addressed the council during public comment, asked whether scheduling the special election would conflict with other contests on the regional calendar. City staff replied, "Special elections cannot be held within 30 days before or after either the general primary election," and clarified that the restriction applies to uniform primaries and general elections, not to other municipalities' special contests. Staff added the city's call is specific to Grand Prairie.

Staff provided candidate-filing details: filing opens Jan. 10 and closes Jan. 16, with a 5 p.m. deadline on the 16th. A staff member told the council, "You will have seven days to file," and said candidate packets available at the city office include a timeline and contact information. Council and staff also said state law allows candidates to advertise prior to filing.

After discussion, the Mayor entertained a motion; a council member moved and another seconded. The Mayor announced the motion as made "by council member Clemson, seconded by council member Doboski," called for a voice vote and declared the motion carried. The meeting was then adjourned.

Next steps: staff will make candidate packets available and accept filings during the Jan. 10'Jan. 16 window; the special election is scheduled for Jan. 31.