WITH ELECTION YEAR APPROACHING, LEGISLATORS MULL FUTURE
The summer after the end of a legislative session traditionally finds many legislators thinking long and hard about seeking re-election.
That appears to be the case again this year with just a few already announcing their intentions.
The highest profile announcement of not running for re-election came from Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford. Stickland was a Tea Party stalwart, better known for roiling the House leadership from the chamber’s back mike than passing legislation. His district is believed to be a swing district as he won re-election in 2018 by less than 2.5% of the vote.
In addition, Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) announced last week that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn. However, West is not up for re-election until 2022 so he will be able to return to the seat he has held for nearly three decades if he is not able to unseat Cornyn.
Several others have declared their intention to run for re-election. Some, including THCA Champion of Long Term Care in 2017 Rep. J.D. Sheffield, have already drawn opponents. It has been reported that Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), will soon announce that she plans to run for another term.
One vacancy in the House was created several weeks ago when Rep. Eric Johnson was elected Mayor of Dallas. The election in the heavily Democratic district has been set for this November 5.