By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune Republican Mayra Flores prevailed Tuesday in a special election for an open congressional seat in South Texas, marking a major breakthrough for Republicans eager to blaze new inroads in the historically blue region.

A runoff election is being held for Texas House District 124 with Early Voting through April 17 from 8 a.m. to a p.m. and Election Day on April 21. (Find an Early Voting Polling Place here.) The candidates for House District 124 are:

The Last Day to File an Application for a Place on the Ballot for District 2 for November Special City Election is August 21. The last day to file an application for a place on the ballot for the Nov. 4, 2014 Special City Election to fill the vacancy in Council District 2 is Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. in the Office of the City Clerk located on the second floor of City Hall, 100 Military Plaza.

Citizens interested in running for Council District Seats 9 and 10 in the May 10, 2014 Special City Election can purchase information packets now in the Office of the City Clerk, located on the second floor of City Hall at 100 Military Plaza. The packet cost is $30 and may be purchased during the regular office hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.