Just weeks after launching a campaign to represent Texas’ 24th Congressional District, former Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne raised almost $350,000—a strong start for the popular conservative in a competitive contest to keep the once-safe Republican seat from falling into Democrat hands.

Van Duyne announced in August she would seek the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant (R–Coppell), after the eight-term incumbent said he wouldn’t run again. By September 30, Van Duyne’s campaign had raised $346,800.

“I am truly humbled and honored to have had so many people from around North Texas and the country investing in our campaign,” Van Duyne told Texas Scorecard. “People are joining our campaign every day because they understand I will be a strong and effective voice for conservative reforms that preserve our liberties and encourage growth, opportunity, and prosperity by empowering people instead of the federal government.”

As mayor of Irving from 2011 to 2017, Van Duyne reined in out-of-control city spending and property taxes and implemented policies to increase transparency and accountability.

In May 2017, President Donald Trump appointed Van Duyne to serve as regional administrator for the Fort Worth office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She left that position in August to run for Congress.

Several Republicans and Democrats are vying for the open congressional seat in the March 2020 primaries. In 2018, Marchant spent over $1 million to win re-election with just 50.6 percent of the vote in the traditionally Republican district.

“Every dollar contributed is helping us build a movement capable of winning the 24th Congressional District and preventing another North Texas seat from falling into the hands of radicals and socialists,” Van Duyne added.

Erin Anderson

Erin Anderson is a Senior Journalist for Texas Scorecard, reporting on state and local issues, events, and government actions that impact people in communities throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex. A native Texan, Erin grew up in the Houston area and now lives in Collin County.

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