infected Texas district still has no Congress member

Key Points:

• The first U.S. case of New World screwworm was detected in Zavala County, Texas, prompting a federal and state response to contain the parasitic fly threatening the region's cattle industry, particularly in the largely rural 23rd Congressional District.
• The 23rd District currently lacks a congressional representative after Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned in April, leaving ranchers without direct congressional advocacy during this agricultural emergency.
• Candidates vying to fill the vacant seat, including Republican Brandon Herrera and Democrat Katy Padilla Stout, are actively engaging with federal officials and local ranchers to address the outbreak despite not holding office.
• The sterile fly facility intended to combat screwworms, supported by Gonzales and other Texas lawmakers, is under construction but not yet operational, with calls from candidates to expedite its opening and enhance pesticide approvals.
• The outbreak has intensified calls for Governor Greg Abbott to schedule a special election to fill the district’s vacant seat, as local leaders and ranchers emphasize the need for direct representation to improve communication and response efforts.