Three Republican candidates in Texas House District 14 are running for the seat being vacated by Republican State Rep. John Raney of Bryan, who announced he would not run for re-election.
Raney, who has held the seat since winning a special election in December 2011, announced earlier this week that he would not run again.
“After much consideration, I have decided to not seek re-election in 2024 so that I may spend more time at home and on the road with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, our daughters, their spouses, and our eight precious grandchildren,” explained Raney. “I am immensely proud and eternally grateful for the trust voters placed in me to serve the constituents of House District 14 and to represent them in the Texas Legislature in Austin.”
Throughout Raney’s 12 years in office, he has earned a careeer “F” rating on Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s Index. According to Texas Right to Life’s legislative report cards, Raney earned a rating of 96 in 2013 before steadily declining over the years, earning a low rating of 66 in 2021.
The first candidate to announce a run is former State Rep. Fred Brown, who held the seat from 1999 until his resignation in 2011.
In 2011, Brown earned a high rating of 98 on Texas Right to Life’s report card.
Brown announced his bid in a social media post, adding that he will have an official press conference soon. “With the announcement of the retirement of State Representative John Raney, I would like to announce that I plan to run for State Representative for district 14, a seat I held for many years.”
Following Brown’s declaration, Larry Hodges, a local business owner in College Station, announced his intention to throw his hat in the ring.
Hodges is the founder of a local business called Copy Corner and has served on the boards of various nonprofits, including the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, and the College Station ISD Education Foundation.
In his announcement, Hodges highlighted his commitment to general conservative principles, including protecting life, upholding the First Amendment, and securing Second Amendment rights.
“For more than thirty years, I have served Aggieland as a student, business owner, and community volunteer. I’ve witnessed us overcome challenges together, and I know the spirit of dedication and generosity that define our community,” wrote Hodges. “Every year seems more important than the last, and the choices that will shape our future are becoming more challenging and complex. We must secure our borders, make our communities safer, provide additional tax relief to property owners, and ensure a world class education for every child in this state.”
Former Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk also announced that he will be seeking the district seat.
Kirk, who worked for the sheriff’s office for 40 years and was elected to six terms as sheriff, said that after testifying in committees and participating in the legislative process, he wants to be a part of it.
“I developed an awe for the good that can be achieved inside the Capitol and a dream to one day serve in the Texas Legislature, representing the resident of Brazos County,” wrote Kirk. “It would be my deepest honor to represent the citizens of District 14 at our state Capitol. I pledge to continue my legacy of integrity and professional service to our community and the great state of Texas.”
Primary Election Day is March 5, 2024.
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