Forced Into a Runoff, Texas Rep. Van Taylor Ends Campaign After Admitting to Affair

Texas Rep. Van Taylor finished first, just shy of the 50% needed to avoid a May 24 runoff, in Tuesday's Republican Primary for the 3rd congressional district. Late Wednesday, he admitted to an affair and ended his reelection campaign. Former Collin County Judge Keith Self, who finished second with 27%, is likely be the next Representative for this district north of Dallas.  

Allegations of the affair were first reported by Breitbart News on Monday.

According to the Texas Tribune, "Taylor has until March 16 to remove his name from the runoff ballot, which he plans to do, according to a spokesperson. After he does that, Self is automatically the Republican nominee for the district. There is a Democratic nominee for the seat, Sandeep Srivastava, but they face long odds after the district was redrawn last year to favor Republicans."

Taylor is the 47th current House member to announce they are retiring or seeking another office this year.