U.S. Rep. Kay Granger announced her retirement late last year after 25 years in Congress. Now, five candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for the seat.
Granger has drawn the ire of conservatives in recent years.
She was plagued for the past several years with a scandal concerning her son’s involvement with Panther Island, a Fort Worth economic development boondoggle that was disguised as flood control. A 2019 programmatic review found that for around 15 years nearly $400 million of taxpayer money was spent on the project, with little to show for it.
With Granger’s retirement, State Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth), businessman John O’Shea, businesswoman Shellie Gardner, veteran Clint Dorris, and Annie Henley filed to run for Congressional District 12.
Goldman currently represents House District 97 in the Texas Legislature, having assumed office in 2013. His ratings include a 52 from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, a 62 from Young Conservatives of Texas, and a 68 from Texas Right to Life.
Goldman’s record includes voting to weaken the death penalty, expand corporate welfare, impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton—who was later acquitted by the Senate—and legalize sports betting and casino gambling in Texas.
His stated priorities include border security and prioritizing the American taxpayer.
He has received the endorsement of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
O’Shea is a businessman involved in the construction industry. His priorities include border security, the economy, pro-life issues, protecting freedom of speech and the Second Amendment, as well as election integrity.
He has received the endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Gardner is a business owner with a background in engineering and real estate. Her priorities include border security, the economy, school choice, and supporting the military and law enforcement.
Dorris is a veteran, serving as an Army Ranger during his time in the military before later serving in intelligence. His priorities include veterans affairs, border security, counterterrorism, dealing with national security threats, protecting the First and Second Amendments, and supporting Israel.
Henley appears to have filed her paperwork to run for CD 12 but is not actively campaigning.
The primary election is March 5, 2024.
