State Rep. Ernest Bailes Falls to Janis Holt

Local businesswoman Janis Holt has defeated State Rep. Ernest Bailes of Shepherd in the Republican Primary Election. 

House District 18 includes Hardin, Liberty, San Jacinto, and part of Montgomery County. 

Bailes was one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s targets, after voting against a school choice program for Texas students in November 2023. 

Holt, who names school choice as one of her priorities, received Abbott’s endorsement for this election. 

As there isn’t a Democrat candidate for HD 18, Holt will be unopposed in the November General Election. 

Sydnie Henry

A born and bred Texan, Sydnie serves as the Managing Editor for Texas Scorecard. She graduated from Patrick Henry College with a B.A. in Government and is utilizing her research and writing skills to spread truth to Texans.