Approximately 25,802 voters in Harris and Montgomery counties cast early ballots in the May 2 special election to fill former Sen. Brandon Creighton’s seat in the Texas Legislature, according to unofficial early voting results released by the Texas Secretary of State's office.

By the numbers: Votes cast in Harris and Montgomery counties combined accounted for 81% of turnout during the early voting period, which ran from April 20-28. Texas Senate District 4 also includes portions of Galveston, Chambers and Jefferson counties.

On the ballot: Two candidates are facing off in the May 2 election to replace Creighton, who resigned from office after being named chancellor and CEO of the Texas Tech University System. Democrat Ron Angeletti is competing against Republican Brett W. Ligon to serve for the remainder of Creighton’s term through January 2027.

Keep in mind: Montgomery County residents must visit their designated voting precincts May 2 to participate in the election, but Harris County residents can vote at any polling location.

Fried chicken eatery Southern Jerks HTX celebrated one year of serving customers April 25, the business announced in a news release.

About the business: With a menu crafted by head chef and co-owner Jabrill Riddick, Southern Jerks HTX is known for its crispy chicken with Caribbean-inspired flavors. The restaurant is tucked away in a gas station along Gears Road just north of the Sam Houston Tollway.

On the menu: Serving rotating weekly specials, Southern Jerks HTX offers fried chicken wings and tenders with jerk chili sauce, per the menu. The eatery also serves a Jerk Burger, Jerks’ Chicken Sandwich and loaded fries.

Quote of note: “Turning one is a huge milestone for us, and we wanted to celebrate the same way Houston has celebrated us all year—with flavor, excitement and love,” Riddick said in a statement. “This city helped build our momentum.”

• 2950 Gears Road, Houston

Check out several events going on in the Greater Houston area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

1. Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Party
Join Post Houston for a Cinco de Mayo celebration on the Skylawn featuring live Latin music, margaritas, palomas and ranch waters, and sample drinks from Aquasol, Herradura, Mijenta, and Estrella Jalisco as the sun goes down over the Houston skyline.

• May 1, 7-10 p.m.
• Free
• 401 Franklin St., Houston

• May 2, 2-7 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 5373 First St., Katy

• May 2, 11:30 a.m. (restaurant opens), 6 p.m. (live music starts)
• Free (admission)
• Paradigm Brewing, 2130 South Persimmon Lane, Tomball