Howard Wins (Again Again Again)

Conceding the inevitable and conceding defeat, Republican Dan Neil has ended his challenge against Rep. Donna Howard, the Democrat incumbent of House District 48.

Neil launched his challenge after his narrow loss to Howard in November. He had already lost on the day, on the recount, and then after an evidentiary ruling by Master of Discovery Will Hartnett. The final straw came on Wednesday when a nine-member, Republican-dominated election contest committee voted unanimously to reject Neil's request to have the result overturned or call a special election.

Neil released this statement earlier this afternoon:

With the select committee’s ruling that we did not meet the burden of proof to overturn the election results in HD-48, I have decided the best course of action is to withdraw my election contest. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all my supporters who worked hard on a campaign that was ultimately decided by the narrowest of margins. Their prayers and support have made this entire experience worthwhile even if the end result is not what we sought. I would also like to thank Master Hartnett and the Committee for their hard work on this issue. And I want to wish Donna Howard well as she continues to represent District 48, which is a special place to live, work and raise a family.

Howard's statement in full:

I am grateful to be out from under the specter of the election contest. While it has not hindered my ability to carry out my legislative duties, it has definitely been a distraction at times. The process for deciding an election challenge creates a unique dynamic where legislators become the judge and jury.

However, it is clear the process works when you have a Master and select committee like those appointed to oversee this contest. Their thoughtful questions and careful consideration demonstrated their commitment to upholding the letter of the law. No fraud was found and no voters were unfairly disenfranchised.

With just over 51,500 votes cast in the House District 48 race – one of the highest turnout legislative races in the state – I am still amazed at the scrupulously clean election run by the Travis County Clerk. I feel fortunate to represent a county where the citizens are so engaged, and I would encourage anyone who has followed this process to share this story with others because it truly brought to life the old adage that every vote counts. Thank you to all those who supported me.

This means the status quo remains the same in the House, but raises the real question of where the redistricting process will draw Howard's borders.