Congressman Ron Paul of Texas is busy running for the Republican presidential nomination. While, he is busy on the campaign trail, at least 10 other Republican and one Democrat are running to fill his empty 14th District seat in the House.

Paul decided not to run for reelection this year and his open seat has caused a political free for all amongst politicians in the Lone Star state. Political observers at an early stage have named as the front runner Texas State Representative Randy Weber a Republican. He has been touted as Texas’ most conservative member of the legislature.

Weber is one four candidates that are considered to be in the upper half of the 10 plus candidates in the race. The primary for the congressional seat is set for May 29. If no candidate is able to garner 50% of the vote, then a runoff will take place.

Most observers see it next to impossible for one candidate to get over 50% of the vote since there are so many participating. Weber, most feel, is the odds on favorite because of his political experience and his record of being conservative that will be important to voters.

If a runoff occurs in July, it will be difficult to predict who will win as it is very hard to get voters to turn out for a July election. The election has been delayed because a court battle regarding the redistricting of Texas took longer than anticipated.

As for now, Paul has said he will not give his endorsement to anyone. Other members of the Texas House have also steered clear of the free for all that is taking place in their home state.