Governor Greg Abbott invoked an executive order for the first time since 1901.

In an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott has issued an executive order postponing the runoff primary elections.

On Friday, Abbott moved the elections that were originally scheduled for May 26 to July 14. The announcement said the action is in conjunction with the state’s ongoing efforts to lessen the spread of COVID-19.

“Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. This would threaten the health and safety of many Texans,” the statement reads.

Among contests across the state, there are a few local elections in Smith County that will be affected.

Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin, who received 42.88% of the total vote, and will face challenger Curtis Wulf, who received 29.67%. There will be no Democratic candidate in this race in November.

For the 114th District Court race, Austin Reeve Jackson will face Jarad Kent in the runoff. Jackson won 44.47% of the vote total. Kent received 40.16% of the total. The winner of this runoff will not have a Democratic competitor in November.

The Smith County Republican Party also will have two runoff races for precinct chairs.

For the Democrats, there are no local runoffs, but there are some statewide races.

Early voting for the postponed runoff primary election will start July 6.People who voted in that party’s primary or didn’t vote are able to vote in the runoff.