Full Breakdown
Republican Brett Ligon Secures Texas Senate District 4 in Special Election
5/3/2026, 10:46:04 PM
District 4 Special Election Results
On May 2 2026, Republican former Montgomery County district attorney Brett Ligon defeated Democrat Ron Angeletti in the special election for Texas Senate District 4. Unofficial tallies gave Ligon about 75 % of the vote and Angeletti roughly 25 %, a margin of roughly 26,000 votes out of 34,730 ballots across the five-county district.
Background and Context
The seat opened after Republican State Senator Brandon Creighton resigned in October 2025 to become chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. District 4, covering Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Galveston counties, voted for President Donald Trump by a 34-point margin in the 2024 election, marking it as a strongly Republican Senate district.
Key Candidates and Endorsements
Brett Ligon – Republican, former Montgomery County district attorney, endorsed by Creighton.
Ron Angeletti – Democrat, educator and small-business owner, sole challenger.
Dan Patrick – Lt. Gov. and Republican Senate leader, praised Ligon’s win.
Vote Totals and Reporting Variations
Unofficial results varied as reporting progressed. The Texas Secretary of State listed 26,068 votes (75 %) for Ligon and 8,662 (25 %) for Angeletti. Earlier counts showed 23,927 (75 %) and 8,010 (25 %) when 21 % of precincts reported; later updates recorded 20,042 (75 %) and 6,605 (25 %) two hours after polls closed, and 19,703 (76 %) for Ligon with 6,272 (24 %) for Angeletti at 8:30 p.m. CT. All reports note canvassing must be completed before certification.
Official Statements and Responses
Ligon’s statement thanked voters and framed the win as affirmation of conservative values. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the result shows the Republican caucus is “stronger than ever” and underscored the need for unified Republican energy.
Democratic Perspective
Democratic observers had flagged District 4 as a rare chance to flip a Senate seat, noting a potential impact on the November legislative map. The final vote, however, reaffirmed the district’s Republican lean.
Why It Matters
The result keeps Republican control of a pivotal Senate seat ahead of the 2026 elections. Ligon will finish Creighton’s term, ending January 2027, then face Angeletti in a November 2026 rematch for a full term. The outcome signals continued GOP strength in a district that consistently backs Republican presidential candidates.
What’s Next
Ligon will serve the remainder of Creighton’s term until January 2027 and will contest the full four-year seat against Angeletti in the November 2026 election.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The differing vote totals illustrate the fluid nature of unofficial results. No certification is yet available, and the final margin may shift after canvassing. Sources also lack detailed turnout and demographic data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The voters of SD4 have delivered a clear message tonight. Conservative values and Republican dominance in Texas are alive and well,” — Brett Ligon
- “Ligon’s decisive victory is an important and timely reminder that when Texas Republicans are energized and united, we cannot be defeated,” — Dan Patrick, Lt. Gov.
- “stronger than ever.” — Dan Patrick, Lt. Gov.
