The runoff election is necessary because none of the four original candidates in the March primary garnered more than 50 percent of the vote.
Bell County officials said they expect election workers will have a lively day.
“I think it will be really busy,” said Jana M. Hend-erson, county election clerk. “But it won’t be nearly the turnout as in the primary.”
Henderson said they are consolidating polling places from 45 to 19, which isn’t unusual for a runoff. Voters should not assume the precinct polling location they voted at last March will be open Tuesday.
Back in March, Tyroch finished first with 5,147 votes. Sheffield received 4,433 votes, according to the county’s official results.
This is the first time in recent memory Republicans have jousted for the District 55 seat.
State Rep. Dianne White Delisi has had a firm grip on the position for nine terms. She announced last fall she was not running for re-election.
Rep. Delisi’s office would not comment on any endorsement.
The two primary candidates ousted in March, John Alaniz and Mike Pearce, are backing Sheffield. Hugh Shine, who held the state District 53 seat for three terms, has endorsed Tyroch.
As the campaign continued to sizzle the last few weeks, Sheffield hammered Tyroch for changing positions on the Trans-Texas Corridor. Tyroch has said repeatedly she has always been against the controversial project that could cut a large swath, possibly a couple of miles wide, through rural eastern Bell County.
Tyroch has lauded her experience as seven-year council member and mayor pro tem as major attributes. She said owning and running a restaurant does not qualify one for public office.
The rhetoric continued to heat up as the election neared. In the past few weeks, Tyroch has accused Sheffield of employing illegal aliens and not paying taxes. Sheffield said Tyroch was spending taxpayer money on expensive dinners and luxury hotel accommodations.
According to the Texas Ethics Commission, from Jan. 1 through March 29 Tyroch raised $120,316 compared to $88,031 for Sheffield.
Tuesday’s winner will face Sam Murphey, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Democrats also have a runoff election this Tuesday. Voters have a choice in a statewide runoff for railroad commissioner between Mark Thompson and Dale Henry.
