Our campaign momentum continues!
In our campaign for Texas State Senate, I’m excited to share a major endorsement from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
It’s a true honor to earn the endorsement of Senator Ted Cruz, who is on the front line in our nation’s capital fighting courageously every day for our freedoms. I look forward to partnering with him as a member of the Texas State Senate.
Friends,
The momentum continues with more exciting news to share from the campaign trail! I am honored to receive endorsements from both former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin with the Family Research Council. Both men are national conservative leaders that I’ve worked with to fight federal overreach, and it’s a privilege to receive their backing in pursuit of my campaign for Texas Senate.
Please take a minute to see the news below. If you would like to be added to our list of supporters, click the “Endorse Phil” button below.
Sincerely,
Friends,
Our momentum continues!
As you know, I announced my candidacy for the Texas Senate last Monday. Since announcing, the outpouring of support has been humbling. Today, in less than a week, I’m honored to release the names of over 700 supporters backing our campaign.
I’m also grateful that Congressman Roger Williams is now endorsing me.
Please take a minute to see the news below. If you are on this list, thank you. And if you would like to add your name to our next list, click the button below, add your name, and we’ll be sure and add you to the next list of endorsements.
Terry and I appreciate your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
KING EARNS SUPPORT FROM CONGRESSMAN ROGER WILLIAMS; OVER 700 CITIZENS ENDORSE BIG FOR TEXAS SENATEFollows Endorsements from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Perry, Gov. Huckabee, Comm. Wayne Christian and Numerous Conservative Leaders
(PARKER COUNTY) – Today, State Representative Phil King received a resounding show of support from his home county, as an initial list of over 700 local supporters endorsed his campaign for Texas Senate District 10 (see list below). King also announced the endorsement of Congressman Roger Williams, who represents Johnson County.
Williams said, “I’ve known Phil King and his family for decades. He is a good friend and I have supported him for years and will continue to support him in the future. He is well respected in his community for his principled-driven leadership. Phil will continue to be a staunch advocate for small business, taxpayers, and conservative values, and I look forward to continuing to work along side him.” Williams is a businessman, Texas’ 105th Secretary of State, and Former Republican Party of Texas Victory Chair.
The group of over 700 citizens includes a broad list of current and former elected officials, faith leaders, grass roots conservatives, business and community leaders, and Republicans with a long history of working and volunteering in campaigns.
Weatherford businessman and campaign Treasurer Jimmy Day said, “This announcement underscores the level of support Phil enjoys in the county he has represented for years. There are many people who know and respect Phil and his entire family and are ready to help him win votes here in Parker County and in the many counties and communities across Senate District 10.”
This announcement follows last week’s endorsements from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Governor Rick Perry, Governor Mike Huckabee, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian,
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek and his wife Amy, conservative statewide leaders David Barton, Rick Green, Tim Lambert, John Graves, and many others.
Parker County Judge Pat & Kathy Deen
Parker County Sheriff Russ & Linda Authier
Parker County Attorney John Forrest
Parker County Treasurer Jenny Barnwell
Parker County Commissioner George Conley
Parker County Commissioner Steve Dugan
Parker County Commissioner Craig & Deborah Peacock
Parker County Commissioner Larry Don Walden
Parker County Constable Joe Harris, Jr.
Mayor Kit Marshall, Aledo
Mayor Jay Hamilton, Brock
Mayor Marc Povero, Hudson Oaks
Mayor Don Smelley, Peaster
Mayor Paul & Courtney Paschall, Weatherford
Mayor Doyle Moss, Willow Park
City Councilman Nick Stanley, Aledo
City Councilman & Precinct Chair Kevin Cleveland, Weatherford
City Councilman & Precinct Chair Matt & Kelly Ticzkus, Weatherford
City Councilman Eric Contreras & JJ Williams-Contreras, Willow Park
Lori & Lance Johnson, Poolville, Peaster ISD Superintendent*
Dr. Katarina Lindley, Brock ISD School Board Trustee
Beth & Toby Taylor, Weatherford ISD School Board Trustee
Elizabeth Bergman Bozzell, Millsap, GOP Precinct Chair
Brian (Weatherford ISD School Board Trustee) & Lisa Catlin, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Earlene Clouse, Springtown, GOP Precinct Chair
Susan Freeman, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Jimmy Gregory, Springtown, GOP Precinct Chair
Marsha Hardin, Azle, GOP Precinct Chair
Dr. Luke & Ashtyn Haynes, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Marvin Herring, Aledo, GOP Precinct Chair
Chris & Laura Hester, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Ed Huddleston, Hudson Oaks, GOP Precinct Chair
Howard Story, Aledo, GOP Precinct Chair
Rosemarie Swaim, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Ryan Towson, Aledo, GOP Precinct Chair
Joe & Karen Wilkinson, Weatherford, GOP Precinct Chair
Susan Adams, Aledo
Joel & Lisa Aldridge, Weatherford
Andy & Tiffany Alfaro, Weatherford
Lucas & Jessica Allen, Aledo
Jeff & Nikki Anderson, Fort Worth
Dr. Tom Annunziato, Weatherford
Aaron & Denise Austin, Weatherford
Troy & Sunny Austin, Aledo
Lance & RaeAnn Arnold, Weatherford
Allison Baker, Weatherford
Brent & Elizabeth Baker, Weatherford
Brandon & Shayla Baldwin, Weatherford
Sheri Baliff, Weatherford
Mike & Sundee Barnes, Weatherford
Gloria G. Barron, Aledo
David & Cheryl Barton, Founder, WallBuilders*
Tim & Gabby Barton, President, WallBuilders*
Lin & Tiffany Bearden, Weatherford
Allison Bedore, Weatherford
Kevin & MJ Bentley, Aledo
Jonathan & Chery Berry, Weatherford
Jack & Gail Blair, Willow Park
Ava Blais, Hudson Oaks
Marc & Nicole Blanton, Weatherford
Debra Bobbitt, Hudson Oaks
Kevin & Tracy Bolen, Weatherford
Brian & Carrie Bond, Weatherford, Pastor, Greenwood Baptist Church*
Dr. Ron & Catherine Boney, Weatherford
Chris & Amy Bonnett, Weatherford
Greg Borders, Aledo
Marcus & Katlyn Bowen, Willow Park
Chuck & Sara Bratcher, Peaster
Joe & Marilyn Bratcher, Aledo
Jeff & Leslie Broseh, Weatherford
Dr. Steve & Julie Brown, Weatherford
Bob & Mary Ann Brown Millsap
Jim & Pam Brown, Weatherford,
Andy & Misty Browning, Weatherford
Cleve & Alicia Brunson, Brock
Jeane Brunson, Weatherford
Chris Bryant, Willow Park
Rebekah Bryant, Aledo
Cameron & Chelsea Bryson, Weatherford
Michelle Buchanan, Springtown
Rusty & ReVay Bullock, Weatherford
Larry & Connie Bunn, Weatherford
Caleb & Anna Burk, Gordon
Steven & Courtney Butler, Weatherford
Steve & Debbie Burdett, Weatherford
Chris & Tami Cain, Weatherford
William & Debra Camp, Weatherford
Rick & Mindy Campbell, Aledo
Linda Caram, Fort Worth
Darren & Annie Carbone, Weatherford
Keith & Suzanne Carlson, Weatherford
Debbie Carney, Weatherford
Maxine Carter, Brock
Mike & Nika Carter, Weatherford
Suzanne Carter, Weatherford
Matt & Kayla Cermak, Aledo
Barbara Chapman, Weatherford
Pam Chase, Aledo
Bryan Choate, Hudson Oaks
Bryson & Tiffany Clark, Weatherford
Brad & Tiffani Cockburn, Weatherford
Bryan & Ashley Conlon, Weatherford
Ross & Stacy Conner, Aledo
Dennis & Becky Connelly, Weatherford
Benny & Jennittie Cook, Weatherford
William & Lisa Cook, Aledo,
Cole Cooper, Aledo
John Cooper, Weatherford
Samantha Cooper, Aledo
Darin & Tara Copeland, Aledo
George Courtney, Weatherford
Randy Cox, Aledo
John & Kerry Crawford, Azle
Mark & Christy Creacy, Willow Park
Janie Davis, Weatherford
Ken & Gaila Davis, Weatherford
Caroll & Lawonna Dawson, Weatherford
Catherine Dawson, Weatherford
Jeremy & Wendy Day, Weatherford
Jimmy & Janice Day, Weatherford
Tim & Debbie Deary, Weatherford
Dave Deison, Weatherford
Donti Dennis, Weatherford
Kenlee Dennis, Weatherford
Regina DeVore, Weatherford
Belinda Dickerd, Weatherford
Joel & Jennifer Dickerson, Weatherford
Jarrod & Jill Dickey, Peaster
Darren Donaldson, Mineral Wells
John & Anita Dougherty, Weatherford
Jim & Susan Duncan, Weatherford
Rebekah Dugger, Weatherford
Jerry & Vickie Durant, Weatherford
David & Virginia Durnil, Aledo
Janet Duvall, Weatherford
Johnny Dwire, Weatherford
Mariah Dyson, Weatherford
Dan & Terri Edwards, Aledo
Josh & Lindsay Edwards, Aledo
Mark & Sarah Eidson, Weatherford
Jack & Taylor Eggleston, Brock
Blake & Lori Ellis, Weatherford
Jennifer Ellis, Weatherford
Darryl Evans, Weatherford
Robert & Caroline Evans, Aledo
Adam & Mende Feriend, Weatherford
Daniel & Amy Ferguson, Weatherford
Layne Fields, Weatherford
Steve & Nida Fisher, Weatherford
Christina Fite, Weatherford
Jay & Judy Flanagin, Weatherford
Tim & Lisa Fleet, Fort Worth
David & Pam Flowers, Weatherford
Dr. Jeff Foland, Weatherford
Jordann Foland, Weatherford
Charles & Janet Foster, Weatherford
Kevin Foster, Weatherford
Dayna Fowler, Aledo
Gail Fowler, Aledo
Richard & Connie Fowler, Weatherford
Bruce & Mindy Frantz, Aledo
Brandon & Audrea Garrett, Weatherford
Dr. Burres & Glenda Garrison, Weatherford
Joe & Doris Geer, Weatherford
John & Samantha Gibson, Weatherford
Robert & Donna Gibson, Weatherford
Adam & Christin Giddings, Weatherford
Charlie Gilchrist, Willow Park
Stephen Gilchrist, Aledo
Courtney Gildon, Aledo
Jim & Charlene Glaub, Weatherford
Tatyana Glaub, Weatherford
Steve & Deana Glaze, Weatherford
Bob & Carolyn Glenn, Weatherford
Lisa Marie Graves, Weatherford
Steve & Lynette Gray, Weatherford
Gregorio Gregory, Springtown
Paul Gregory, Springtown
Terri Grimes, Weatherford
Sonny & Janice Grissom, Hudson Oaks
JB & Lori Gross, Weatherford
Zachary & Miranda Gryder, Aledo
Joe & Kelly Hajj, Aledo
Coach Robert Hale, Weatherford
Kelli Hamilton, Weatherford
Matt & Lindsay Hamilton, Aledo
Monty & Denise Haney, Peaster
Matt & Kristen Hanvey, Aledo
Tony & Connie Hardee, Willow Park
Joe Harris, Weatherford
Jon & Shelly Hartman, Millsap
Mark & Peggy Hastings, Weatherford
Jill Harper, Weatherford
Dave & Debbie Harris, Weatherford
Jerry & Jan Harrison, Weatherford
Jared & Lauren Hawthorne, Weatherford
Austin & Mary Haye, Weatherford
Wayne & Sharon Hayes, Weatherford
Jessica Heath, Aledo
Bethany & Jordan Herrera, Willow Park
Steve & Cindy Hitt, Weatherford
Brett Hobson & Holly Echols, Weatherford
David & Lauren Hollier, Aledo
Jacob & Sarah Holt, Peaster
James & Angie Hotopp, Weatherford
Pastor Van Houser, North Side Baptist Church*
Keith & Lee Howell, Weatherford
Ricky & Erica Howell, Weatherford
Dr. Tom & Lucia Howorth, Aledo
Scott & Jennifer Hubley, Aledo
Tom Huffhines, Weatherford
Daniel Huffman, Weatherford
Teresa Hughes, Weatherford
Todd & Angie Huse, Weatherford
Scott & Darla Jackson, Aledo
Scott & Tina Jackson, Weatherford
Judy James, Weatherford
Jared & Brittany Jenson, Aledo
Scott & Jackie Jeter, Mineral Wells
Michael Johnson, Weatherford
Josh & Kasey Johnston, Hudson Oaks
Brandi & Stephen Jones, Poolville
Gordon & Candy Jones, Willow Park
Nick & Amber Jones, Weatherford
Bud & Dodie Jordan, Weatherford
Carl & Dr. Danica Jordan, Weatherford
Judd & Kaye Jordan, Weatherford
Kirk & Karen Joseph, Aledo
Jeff & Stephanie Kalbfleisch, Azle
Dr. Chuck & Rebecca Kautz, Weatherford
Brad & Effie Kieta, Aledo
Matt & Michel Kinder, Weatherford
Barbara King, Weatherford
Josh & Sarah King, Weatherford
Leah King, Weatherford
William King, Weatherford
Chris & Kate Kiser, Weatherford
Dr. Ted & Lynn Kitchens, Aledo, Founding Pastor of Christ Chapel Bible Church, ret.*
Dr. Todd & Dr. Aly Kovach, Aledo
Zoli & Ashley Kovacs, Aledo
Dr. Eric & Courtney Kuykendall, Weatherford
Dawn King, Weatherford
Dan & Beckie Knox, Weatherford
Kevin Knox, Weatherford,
Brian & DeeAnna Krier, Weatherford
Keith & Teri Kubosh, Aledo
Brian & Loren Kuebler, Willow Park
Ray & Marilyn Kummerfeld, Weatherford
Robby & Renee Kyser, Willow Park
Tom & Sallie Kyser, Willow Park
Tommy & Sarah Kyser, Willow Park
Chuck & Julie Lambert, Springtown
Joe Lane, Willow Park
Justin & Kayleigh Langford, Brock
Randy & Mica Langford, Weatherford
Dr. Stephen & Saundra Lanier, Hudson Oaks
Matt & Darcie Lantz, Aledo
Juan Ramon Ñino Lara, Weatherford
Carrie Larkin, Weatherford
Rolf & Gay Larson, Annetta
Larry & Amber LaVelle, Azle
Dylan & Stacy LeBlue, Weatherford
Dennis & Barbie Ledford, Aledo
Naomi & Craig Ledford, Aledo
Tim & Peggy Lewelling, Weatherford
Bob Lewis, Annetta
Gary Lightfoot, Weatherford
Nancy Linguist, Weatherford
Sam Linguist, Weatherford
Corey & Denise Linscombe
Larry D. & Faye Lippincott Weatherford,
Andy & Mary Littrell, Springtown
Terry & Dianna Looney, Weatherford
Louie Lou, Weatherford
Kindra D. Lucia, Weatherford
Bill & Michelle Lynch, Weatherford
Stacy Lynch, Weatherford
Scott & Meghan Lynd, Willow Park
Kayla Mac, Aledo
Kevin & Koree Mangum, Aledo
Peter & Amanda Mansfield, Aledo
James & Anna Rae Markalonis, Weatherford
Marion Marrs, Weatherford
Scott & Candy Marsh, Weatherford
Angie Martin, Weatherford
Larry & April Martin, Aledo
Charlie & Cathy Martinez, Weatherford
Deborah Matthews, Fort Worth
Shaheen & Shannon Matuni, Aledo
Jennifer May, Aledo
Mark & Anna McAdams, Aledo
Nathan & Danielle, McCarty, Peaster
Gary & Stephanie McElroy, Peaster
Danny & Jana McFadden, Weatherford
Cy & Jennifer McGuire, Aledo
Kevin & Ginger McKee, Aledo
Matt & Erin McKee, Willow Park
Brian & Courtney McKeown, Weatherford
Trey & Rochelle McKinley, Weatherford
Jeremy McNutt, Weatherford
Ricky & Brandie Minnich, Aledo
Rebekah Molenburg, Aledo
Byron & Whitney Monk, Aledo
Don & Becky Moon, Willow Park
Lyndsie Montgomery, Weatherford
Ryan & Angela Mordecai, Aledo
Jerry & Ashley Morris, Weatherford
Charles Morton, Weatherford
Ric & Kristy Moseley, Aledo, TX
Patrick & Amanda Murphey, Aledo
Roger & Betty Nelson, Weatherford
Allan & Sarah Newburn, Aledo
Erik & Kathleen Newell, Aledo
Kathy Nicholson, Weatherford
Gayle Norris, Poolville
Bob Nuttal, Weatherford
Carrie Olguin, Weatherford
Jeff & Anna Pamplin, Weatherford
Brett & Stephanie Parker, Aledo
John & Chelsey Patterson, Weatherford
Mark & Rena Peden, Fort Worth
Tim & Janay Pendley, Weatherford,
Daniel & Nicole Pennell, Poolville
Steve & Mary Pennington, Weatherford
Rob & Tara Tackett Penny, Weatherford
Wess & Corri Peterson, Aledo
Jacquelyn Pillow, Aledo
Marilyn Pillow, Aledo
Perry & Debbie Pillow, Aledo
Bill & Pam Pinkerton, Weatherford
Amber Plumlee, Weatherford
Joe Bob Plumlee, Weatherford
Philip & Stacey Pollard, Weatherford
Mark & Britany Powell, Weatherford
Bill & Cookie Pozun, Weatherford
Gary & Becky Peoples, Weatherford
Mike & Zan Prince, Weatherford
Michael & Leesa Purefoy, Weatherford
David & Nikki Rapp, Fort Worth
Daniel & Sarah Rasmussen, Weatherford
Alan & Martha Reilly, Annetta
Karen Renfro, Springtown
Matthew & Kasey Renfro, Fort Worth
Stephanie Rich, Willow Park
Charley & Nicole Rickey, Weatherford
Barry & Dr. Beth Riley, Fort Worth
Brian & Beth Roark, Aledo
Graham & Stacey Robbins, Aledo
Jessie & Suzanne Rodriguez, Weatherford
Lexi Rodriguez, Weatherford
Darrel & LeAnn Russell, Springtown
Faris & Tifani Russell, Aledo
Jay & Laura Satterfield, Willow Park
Brent Sauble, Aledo
John & Carol Savage, Weatherford
David & Kathy Sawyer, Weatherford
Brian & Katherine Sellers, Weatherford
Cindy Shannon, Weatherford,
Brian & Penny Shelton, Aledo
Don & Erna Schnebly, Weatherford
Britton & Jamie Schweitzer, Weatherford
Tony Seghetti, Fort Worth
Rex & Debbie Shrauner, Weatherford
Bob & Janelle Shepard, Weatherford
Mike & Karen Sherer, Weatherford
Jon Sherman, Weatherford, Trinity Bible Church*
Thomas & Debra Smith, Weatherford
Jack & Leah Smothers, Aledo
Mark & Pam Snowden, Willow Park
Cory & Kelli Stahl, Aledo
Kirk & Jeana Stallons, Aledo
Stephanie Stegall, Poolville
Shawn & Holly Stene, Aledo
Don & Kathi Stephan, Willow Park
Dr. Brooks & Kelly Stevens, Fort Worth
Ronnie & Marnita Stinnett, Weatherford
Emily Stockdale, Aledo
Mark & Diana Stodola, Aledo
Rodney & Kelly Stokes, Aledo
Richard & Susan Stone, Aledo
Marc & Kelly Strobel, Willow Park
Randy Summarell, Weatherford
Joshua & Caroline Swanson, Weatherford
Catherine Talbot, Weatherford
Martin & Lynn Talley, Aledo,
Bob & Kristen Tallman, Poolville
Jeff & Cindy Tamborello, Weatherford
Josh & Janelle Tankersley, Weatherford
Rick & Vickie Pitchford Terrel, Millsap
Brian & Laci Thomason, Weatherford
Chuck & Linda Tingle, Weatherford
Weldon Torbett, Weatherford
Jala & Maggie Toss, Aledo
Courtney Towson, Aledo
DiAnn Towson, Weatherford
Laura Towson, Weatherford
Ashley Tucker, Willow Park
Jesse & Jill Tunnell, Mineral Wells
Chris & Ashley Turner, Willow Park
Kevin & Elizabeth Turner, Aledo
Tammy Unangst, Weatherford
David & Eliza Utley, Weatherford
Gary Utley, Weatherford
Stephanie Utley, Brock
Dedra & Charley Vick, Weatherford
Bianca Villarreal, Weatherford
Gregg & Gloria Vines, Annetta
Christal Wade, Weatherford
Chance & Christy Walker, Weatherford
Dr. Jeremy Watkins, Fort Worth
Brett & Rachael Watson, Weatherford
Dennis & Sherry Watters, Willow Park
Billy Weckel, Aledo
Shaun & Laura Weimer, Aledo
Mary & Gary Westenhover, Weatherford
Crystal & Justin Westlake, Springtown
Pastor Chuck Wetherbee, Victory Baptist Church*
Karen D. Williams, Weatherford
Mary Ann Williamson, Weatherford
Will & Karissa Wimberly, Weatherford
Bill & Ellen Woodward, Aledo
Dottie Worthington, Weatherford
Emma Wyatt, Aledo
Jared & Joni Yankus, Springtown
Tyler & Dana Yelverton, Weatherford
Sue Young, Aledo
Roxanna Young, Fort Worth
Robin Younk, Weatherford
Rodney & Tammy Yount, Mineral Wells
* for identification purposes only
Friends, as we know the Democrats in Texas have fully embraced the radical agenda of their national party and are promoting policies that are dangerous to public safety and a threat to individual liberty. They want to open our borders, defund the police, wreck our oil and gas industry and manufacturing base, increase taxes, and push their “woke” social agenda on all of us. It is more critical than ever for Texas to fight back and vigorously defend conservative principles in our state.
As State Representative, that’s my record. Now, because of the redistricting process which takes place every ten years, there is an opportunity to continue that fight in the Texas Senate. A new Texas Senate map has added a portion of Parker County in Senate District 10 – a district currently represented by a liberal Democrat from Tarrant County.
After prayerful consideration with Terry and my family, should this map be adopted, I will make a formal announcement that I will be running for this seat in the Texas Senate.
Though we have lived in Parker County for over 38 years, Terry and I were raised in Tarrant County; in fact, I graduated from Eastern Hills and Terry graduated from Southwest. Our first child, Kristy, was born when we lived in Meadowbrook. I served as a Fort Worth police officer for 15 years and have deep roots throughout the district.
As a state representative, I have served urban, suburban and rural communities and understand the issues unique to each. I promise to run a strong campaign to defend our Texas values and our freedom. I’m pleased that since announcing my candidacy, I’ve already been endorsed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Rick Perry, former Governor and Secretary of Energy under President Trump (see endorsements below).
My family and I are richly blessed from the support of so many friends and neighbors like you who have supported us throughout my service in the Texas House. As we begin this new adventure, Terry and I sincerely ask for your continued support, but most importantly your prayers.
Sincerely,
On Thursday night, the Texas Legislature adjourned our second special (extra) legislative session of this year. Just as predicted, the Democrat’s publicity stunt leaving Texas was a complete and utter failure. They took chartered flights, hobnobbed in D.C.—with some even taking European vacations—but in the end, they couldn’t stop us. We were still able to decisively advance our Republican agenda.
On a personal note, I still don’t believe House Democrats faced the necessary consequences for leaving and wasting taxpayer money. There has been no punishment, no discipline. Nonetheless, in the end, they learned an important lesson. That lesson is that when you don’t show up for work you don’t have a voice at the table.
Now, having completed the 87th Regular Session May 31st and two subsequent special sessions, we have some great new law and policy that will benefit all Texans. And by the way, Terry and I want to thank everyone for the encouragement as we’ve struggled through this year in Austin. It was definitely difficult and one for the history books.
The legislature will now take a few weeks off and then we will be right back to the Capitol for another special session to work on redistricting. As you know, the U.S. and Texas constitutions require that the legislature redraw the district boundaries for all Congressional, House, Senate and SBOE seats. This is always a very difficult process. In fact, the Democrats filed a new federal law suit to block the process just last week. They’ve asked that unelected federal judges draw the maps rather than the people you sent to Austin.
Here are some of the Texas Legislature’s recent conservative wins. I look forward to going over these with you in more detail soon.
Texas is now the most pro-life state in the nation.
Heartbeat Bill: Abortions are now banned at the detection of a fetal heartbeat—generally considered to be around six weeks.
Trigger Legislation: Effective September 1st, Texas has a “trigger” law in place. This means that should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade Texas will automatically revert back to pre-Roe law. Prior to Roe abortion was illegal in Texas.
Mail Order Abortion Banned: Legislation passed just last week will ban the abortion inducing RU-486 drug from being mailed and delivered as if it were an over the counter medicine without seeing a doctor.
Fetal Dismemberment: (It’s disturbing to even type that.) In 2017, we passed a prohibition on this method of abortion. Abortion providers immediately filed suit and the courts have blocked this prohibition for four years. In August, Texas finally prevailed and that ban is now law across our state.
Texas passed sweeping reforms on election integrity making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. I believe our new Texas statute could become a model for the nation. SB 1 provides practical reforms to restore public confidence, including consistent statewide standards, simple and secure election processes, greater transparency mechanisms, and will reduce unlawful voting practices.
Texas is doing more than any other state (and frankly the nation) to secure the border and combat drug and human trafficking. In August the Texas Legislature allocated an additional $1.8 billion to border security. These funds will help build a border wall and will also fund deployment of additional state law enforcement, National Guard and State Guard personnel.
Critical Race Theory is banned from Texas public schools. CRT is a moving target. Legislation was passed earlier this year but we realized we needed to make clarifications and strengthen that new law. More civics training will be included for teachers and the harmful teachings of CRT will not be permitted in our public schools.
Providing tax relief. Texans are being taxed out of their homes and 76% of Texas homeowners now see property taxes as a “major burden.” We implemented helpful property tax relief that will provide homebuyers with a homestead exemption immediately following their purchase and also give elderly and disabled homeowners more relief. (I confess that I am very frustrated that more substantial and across the board tax relief failed to pass.)
Bail reform. The mismanagement of the bail system, almost entirely in urban counties, forced the legislature to take action. We cannot allow violent criminals to be released into our communities unimpeded. Many tragedies have resulted because dangerous criminals were released from jail—often on low bonds and even just their personal recognizance. Hopefully our new statute will help end this practice which is usually seen in our more liberal communities.
Social Media Censorship: HB 20 is intended to help safeguard our freedom of speech by protecting social media users from being censored for their express viewpoints. It includes legal remedies for those wrongfully excluded. (My wife, Terry, was recently banned from Facebook for 30 days. Apparently, joking with your daughter that it’s time to come “kidnap” the grandkids for a stay at our home is dangerous. I guess terrorists and the Ayatollahs just never use the word kidnap….)
Public Education: We need our kids to be in the classroom but, with the continuing onslaught of COVID-19, the legislature provided additional funding and strategies for virtual education. (One of my granddaughters tested positive just yesterday. So their family will be out of the classroom studying from home for a couple weeks.)
I will do my best to keep you posted as we begin redistricting. And as always, please give me a call or send me an email if you have any comments, thoughts or questions.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Mandates
I’ve received a lot of questions about mask and vaccine mandates. I do not believe that any government agency in Texas, including schools, should be allowed to mandate masks or vaccinations. Those decisions should be left up to individuals, parents, etc.
I have also always avoided government telling businesses what to do. However, I do not believe that businesses should require employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Vaccinations are a personal health care decision.
This report by Alliance Defending Freedom provides guidance to employees, students, military personnel and churches encountering COVID-19 vaccination mandates. It’s well worth the read. It can be found HERE.
Critical Race Theory
This weekend, the Epoch Times published my editorial on Critical Race Theory. I hope you will take a moment to read it and then share your thoughts with me. The article can be read HERE or see below.
It is day 20 of the 30-day Special Legislative Session. Rumors were circulating that the Democrats might slowly trickle in this week but it isn’t looking very hopeful. The Texas Constitution requires that we have two-thirds of the House present (100 legislators) to conduct any business but we only have 83 Republicans. During the recent legislative session that concluded in May we had many important accomplishments. However, between the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri we ended with critical issues yet to be addressed. Most of those issues were added to the agenda when Governor Abbott called this Special Session. Unfortunately, just four days after we convened the Democrats fled in private chartered jets to D.C.
The consequences of the Democrats cut-and-run decision will be extremely high. Aside from wasting your taxpayer dollars on a convened Legislature that can take no action (about $1 million a month) the entire legislative branch of Texas government will be defunded September 1. This is in addition to the neglect of all the very important issues we are here to tackle. Issues like securing our elections, reducing abortions, cutting property taxes, stopping CRT in schools, border security, etc. These will fall by the wayside. Also, if the Legislature is defunded it means all staff will be furloughed, constituent services will stop, all district office rents will go unpaid, no office phones or internet…the list goes on.
Please know that I will continue to be in Austin waiting for the Democrats and to fulfill my obligations as your state representative. I don’t know what the Democrat’s end game is but I know it will be a complete failure for them. I hope that all Texans will hold accountable those who fled Texas and their constituents on this failed publicity stunt.
Here is a reminder of all that is on our session agenda. I have also urged Governor Abbott to add a ban on child medical gender modification (criminalizing it as child abuse) and SB 14 which I authored in the last session. SB 14 prevents cities from regulating private employers employment practices forcing business to operate differently city to city, town to town.
I know many of you feel a sense of urgency about the House Democrats fleeing Texas to D.C. on their private jet. I do as well. Believe me, I don’t like being stuck in Austin all summer away from family, work, church and my constituents. I don’t like missing our family vacation (they’re in Colorado as I write this). But it is my duty to show up and do the people’s work.
The Democrats fled because THEY believe the items on our Republican special session agenda are bad for Texans—things like secure elections, reducing abortions, cutting property taxes, stopping CRT in schools, border security, etc. The Democrats apparently despise these things and don’t have the courage for a debate—enough to run away from the state. We will wait them out. The Democrats will wear out eventually and return and be brought to the Texas Capitol by state police if necessary.
In the end we will get our Republican agenda done. It just will take some time. I’ve been through this before in 2003 when they fled to Oklahoma. It calls for patient endurance but in the end Texas wins. The Democrats will fail and will face serious consequences.
Here’s more back story on what got us to today—-
On July 8th, the Texas Legislature convened the 87th 1st called Special Session. To start, the Governor added 11 legislative priorities to the special session agenda and he is expected to add more. It’s a strong, ambitious pro-business, pro-family, law & order agenda.
In the first four days of special session incredible progress was made in the House. The election integrity and bail reform bills were heard and passed out of a 23.5 hour committee hearing. Legislation to give our retired teachers a 13th check was passed out of committee. Hearings were scheduled on an array of topics such as preventing abortion-inducing drugs from be mailed, discussion on the humanitarian crisis on the border and the impact for unaccompanied minors, a critical update on the status of our electricity grid and progress toward implementing new policies, redistricting hearings to receive stakeholder input and more.
And all of this came to a screeching halt when the Democrats decided to run away from doing the job Texans elected us to do, breaking the constitutional quorum required for us to do business in the Texas House. The next morning, Tuesday, my colleagues and I passed a “call of the House” to secure the return of absent Democrat members until we have a quorum. This “call” directs the DPS to locate, detain and bring the missing Democrats back to the Capitol. Unfortunately, DPS does not have jurisdiction outside of Texas. That’s why the Democrats fled the state. The call also means that we who are present are confined to the House chamber through August 6th unless the Speaker gives permission to members to leave for a period of time. I have today’s House pass in my pocket as I type this over lunch.
Please be praying for the members of the Texas House and our families. The opportunity to serve is an honor but it can be a sacrifice at times—-especially for our family. It requires us to spend a lot of time away from our loved ones, our community and our businesses. It’s frustrating sitting idly by while the Democrats wine and dine in DC. When the Democrats do return, tensions will be very high. We must always treat others the way we want to be treated. However, before this concludes there must be serious consequences to deter this type of behavior again. Pray that we make the right choices and decisions for our district and Texas.
As always, I really appreciate hearing from you and am eager to listen. Your calls and emails to the office are a tremendous help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.
Sincerely,
The special session agenda currently includes:
On Thursday, July 8th, the Texas Legislature will convene our first special session following the 87th Regular Legislative Session which ended on May 31st. Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared with you the many accomplishments of the recent legislative session but I also mentioned there was much work left undone. Over the next week, I’d like to discuss the announced agenda for the special session, as well as other subject matter I’d like to see added.
A “special session” is very different than a constitutionally called “regular session” like the one that just adjourned in May. A special session can only be “called” by the governor and the maximum duration for a special session is 30 days. The governor declares what policy issues/session topics are on the call and we are limited to working on just those topics. The governor can enumerate all topics at the onset or gradually add to the call while the legislature is convened. There is not a limit on how many special sessions can be called and they can be called back-to-back.
Governor Abbott has not issued an official proclamation of topics. However, based on his public statements we know will be covering election integrity, bail reform, Critical Race Theory, redistricting and allocating federal funds appropriated to states through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Both redistricting and the federal funding will be addressed in the fall at a subsequent special session.
ICYMI: Both the omnibus election integrity bill (SB7) and the bail reform bill (HB 20/HJR) died on the House calendar in May when House democrats left the House chamber breaking the quorum. (The Texas Constitution requires that 2/3 of the 150 House members be present to conduct business. Republicans have only an eight vote majority.)
Quorum busting is an inappropriate tactic that has been used on rare occasion to kill legislation. In 2003, the House democrats, knowing they did not have the votes to stop a bill, left during the night and stayed in Oklahoma for weeks. The next month, the Senate democrats broke quorum and spent weeks in New Mexico. So, bottom line, there is no guarantee that the democrats won’t bust the quorum again to stop the election integrity bill from passing.
The following is a summary of what Republicans legislators hope to accomplish on election integrity this upcoming special session. I’ve also included a graphic on the efforts to reform the criminal bail system. In my next email (and FB post) I’ll share my thoughts on Critical Race Theory and the need for legislation barring it from our schools.
Election Integrity
The overall goal is simply to ensure that in Texas it is easy to vote and hard to cheat. The bill components will likely include:
Bail Reform
This is my ninth and final installment on accomplishments in the recent Texas legislative session that adjourned May 31st. Much good work has been overlooked. However, there was also much left undone. Next week I’ll begin to layout some things I believe the Texas Legislature must accomplish in the special session starting on July 8th and other special sessions expected in early fall.
A Balanced Budget
Every biennium, the Texas Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget that directs how much the state government can spend in the upcoming fiscal year. Unlike Washington, we are prohibited from spending more revenue than we collect and we are always trying to tighten our belts. We began this budgeting process in the midst of a pandemic and a cloud of uncertainty, but I’m proud to say we were able to reduce the overall budget by roughly 5% without raising taxes while still funding our commitments to public education, border security efforts and more. Staying under all constitutional and new statutory spending limits is always a priority.
Also noteworthy in the budget is $1.2 billion for the biennium we dedicated to enhance border security efforts. This included more boots on the ground, funds to combat human trafficking, additional funds for DPS border operations and more.
Enhanced Border Security
In recent weeks it has become crystal clear that Biden administration has blatant disregard for the humanitarian and drug smuggling crisis on our border. The influx of illegal immigrants, drugs, human trafficking and gang activity is at some of the highest levels we have ever seen. Unfortunately, since it doesn’t appear the federal government is going to step up and help secure the border, Texas will take the lead to ensure our own safety and security.
Last week, several items were announced on Texas’ plan to build a wall and combat human and drug trafficking at the border. I fully expect border security to be a focus of our upcoming special sessions. Below is a summary of what Texas is doing:
How will we build a border wall? The Governor has directed the Texas Facilities Commission to hire a program manager who will have complete oversight of the project. He will be responsible for the entire planning, construction, and execution of the wall. He will work to hire contractors, identify state land and private land that can be used, and negotiate how, when, and where the wall will be built.
How much will this cost? Last week, a transfer of $250 million was made as a down payment to get us started. And, as noted above, the state budget also allocated $1.2 billion toward border security. Once the program manager is hired and the planning process is underway we will have more definitive numbers. In the meantime, anyone who wishes to do so can donate by mail to the border wall by clicking HERE.
What else are we doing? We have a new task force in place comprised of members from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Military Department, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and more. They will have bi-weekly meetings to assess the most up to date situation at the border and find solutions. We have also invoked the Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Arizona to work collaboratively on making arrests, detaining criminals and stopping illegal crossings. And, lastly, we have issued a disaster declaration committing more resources, law enforcement personnel, and funds to address this crisis than ever before.
President Biden’s egregious inaction and inability to secure our border has opened the door to an overwhelming amount of criminal activity that has threatened the safety and wellbeing of Texans. But, once again, the Lone Star State has stepped up and made substantial moves to strengthen our border and protect Texans.
Starting next week, I will be sharing my thoughts on upcoming special sessions and what issues we need to address and what I will be working on and supporting.
