State Rep. Drew Springer (R–Muenster) is headed to the Texas Senate after winning a special runoff election Saturday over fellow Republican and political newcomer Shelley Luther.
Springer, an Austin insider backed by the political establishment, took 56 percent of the vote in the low-turnout election to represent Senate District 30, which includes 14 mostly rural North Texas counties.
He will serve out the remaining two years left by State Sen. Pat Fallon (R–Prosper), who vacated the Senate seat halfway through his four-year term to run for an open congressional spot.
Springer’s win sets up yet another special election, to fill his House District 68 seat. He was re-elected in November to a fifth House term while also running for state Senate as Fallon’s chosen successor.
His opponent—best known as the Dallas salon owner jailed for safely reopening her small business in defiance of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s shutdown orders—became an outspoken advocate for limited government, making Luther a favorite among conservative grassroots.
Springer was endorsed by Abbott, Fallon, and a number of state lawmakers.
Luther and Springer each earned 32 percent of the vote in a six-way September 29 special election, sending them to a runoff for the open Senate seat.
SD 30 includes Archer, Clay, Cooke, Erath, Grayson, Jack, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Wichita, Wise, Young, and parts of Collin and Denton counties.
Springer will move to the Senate when Fallon’s resignation takes effect on January 4. The 2021 legislative session starts on January 12.
