From Richard Winger at Ballot Access News:
On Saturday, May 7, Texas held a special election to fill the vacant 120th State House seat. Here are the returns. An independent candidate, Laura Thompson, received more votes than any other candidate, but no one got 50%, so there will be a runoff this summer. Four candidates were on the ballot, Thompson and three Democrats. Texas has not had anyone but a Democrat or a Republican elected to the legislature since 1936, when an independent was elected to the House.
Normally the Texas straight-ticket device makes it very difficult for independents to win, but there is no such device in Texas special elections. Parties don’t have nominees in Texas special elections, which is why there were three Democrats running. Thanks to Michael for this news.