After Busy 2024 Election Year, Broadcast Eye Quieter 2025 Election Year

posted on 11.18.2024

The 2024 elections are, for the most part, a thing of the past. Texas cities that used the Nov. 5 general election date, such as the City of Austin, may still have some city council runoff elections in Decembers.

Most Texas cities, however, use the May uniform election date to conduct their elections. Stations should check with the municipal clerk to determine which date is used in the station's area.

As such, only municipal and school board offices are up for election in 2025. There are no elections for federal, state or county offices, unless a special election is called to fill the unexpired portion of a term. Texas lawmakers may adopt constitutional amendments in the 2025 Texas Legislature which would require voter approval in November.

Based on the FCC's political rules and the election dates are provided by the Texas Secretary of State's Office, the 2025 Texas broadcast political calendar looks like this:

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
This is the opening day of the FCC political window for May 3 city and school board elections.

Saturday, May 3, 2025
This is the Uniform Election date, the one most often used by cities and school boards to hold elections.

Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
This is the opening day of the FCC political window for the Nov. 5 Constitutional Amendment and General Election. While there are limited FCC regulations related to ballot measures such as constitutional amendments, broadcasters should note that there are some Texas cities that use the November general election date for municipal elections.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Constitutional Amendment / General Election

TAB will resume its TAB Political Update emails to TAB member stations following the close of the 89th Texas Legislature regular session next year. Typically, the summer and fall of odd-numbered years produces announcements by a handful of incumbent lawmakers of their intent to retire from their current post, or their desire to seek a higher office. These announcements signal the creation of an open seat election, which can produce a competitive primary or general election race.

In 2026, all statewide offices will be up for election, including the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. John Cornyn, R-San Antonio. All 38 Texas congressional seats also will be up for election as will 16 Texas Senate seats, and all 150 Texas House of Representatives seats.

Questions? Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.