Farenthold likely to be on 2018 Republican primary ballot despite planned retirement

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AUSTIN -- When Republican voters in the 27th Congressional District head to the polls for next March's primary, some are likely to be surprised to see the name of retiring Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, on their ballot.

Farenthold announced yesterday his plans to step down from his seat at the end of his term, after being entangled in a series of sexual misconduct allegations. This comes three days after the filing deadline for the Republican Party primary in Texas, meaning that removing Farenthold's name from the ballot is unlikely.

The Texas Election Code states that candidates can remove their name from the ballot after filing through the day after filing ends, which was Dec. 11.

"(Farenthold) missed that deadline by two days, so he's still going to be on the ballot," said Sam Taylor, spokesman for the Texas Secretary of State's Office.

There is a provision in the election code that allows other candidates to challenge another candidate's status on the ballot, but only for incorrectly filling out a filing application, Taylor said. Farenthold cannot be removed on the grounds of his impending retirement or sexual misconduct allegations, Taylor said.

"The code specifically says it would have to be a 'form content or procedure' on the candidate's application, and it's limited to that," Taylor said. "The challenge has to specify how the application doesn't comply."

The deadline for such a challenge to Farenthold's status is Jan. 19, as mail-in ballots are sent on Jan. 20.

At least six Republicans are challenging Farenthold for his seat, but, unless something changes, Farenthold's name will be on the ballot alongside them despite his impending retirement.