Many Texans have experienced the disappointment of electing a candidate who campaigns as a conservative, only to have that candidate fail to live up to their promises. State Rep. DeWayne Burns (R–Cleburne) proved in his first session that he was just such a candidate.

Elected in 2014, Burns turned against conservatives by supporting legislation designed to suppress the free speech rights of citizens that Gov. Abbott said was unconstitutional. Burns also supported expanding big government programs, including the Commission on the Arts.

Thankfully, there will be a rematch for the seat.

Burns is being challenged by Philip Eby, a small business owner from Clifton. Eby came in a close second in the primary runoff against Burns in 2014. During the last election and this one, Philip Eby established himself as a constitutional conservative dedicated to preserving liberty and limited government in Texas.

In 2014, Burns was able to win by imitating Eby’s rhetoric. Unfortunately for him, his record didn’t match his campaign promises. Voters in House District 58 have an opportunity to replace him with a constitutional conservative by electing Philip Eby to the Texas House.

Tony McDonald

Tony McDonald serves as General Counsel to Texas Scorecard. A licensed and practicing attorney, Tony specializes in the areas of civil litigation, legislative lawyering, and non-profit regulatory compliance. Tony resides in Austin with his wife and daughter and attends St. Paul Lutheran Church.

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