BEXAR COUNTY, Texas -- The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved the orders needed to conduct a special election to replace former state Sen. Carlos Uresti.

Last month, Uresti was sentenced to 12 years in prison, convicted in what prosecutors called a Ponzi scheme tied to an oil and gas company.

The special election for Texas Senate District 19 will take place on July 31. Eight candidates have filed to fill the seat, including Uresti's brother, state representative Tomas Uresti.

Uresti has filed an appeal for his fraud convictions related to money laundering and wire and securities fraud charges. Uresti requested that the court appoint Michael McCrum as his attorney.