Calling him a “fearless conservative leader,” State Sen. Don Huffines endorsed Matt Rinaldi for re-election in House District 115’s Republican Primary.
Huffines, also a Dallas County Republican, described his own endorsement as being“enthusiastically” offered.
“Matt Rinaldi made his mark in Austin as a fearless conservative leader who never shied away from an opportunity to fight for his principles. It is refreshing that, unlike so many elected officials in office, Matt actually kept his word by staying true to the core principles on which he campaigned. He gained tremendous respect from conservatives in both the House and Senate for his intellect and ability to articulate the case for smaller government, lower taxes, secure borders, second amendment rights, and protection of the unborn. I enthusiastically endorse Matt Rinaldi for re-election and look forward to serving with him next legislative session.”
Huffines’ endorsement reinforces Rinaldi’s legislative reputation as a leading conservative voice in Austin. Texans for Fiscal Responsibility named Rinaldi a taxpayer champion in 2015, earning a perfect 100 on the Fiscal Responsibility Index.
A 2015 Rice University study of over 1,000 record votes also ranked Rinaldi as the most conservative legislator in the 150-member Texas House.
Rinaldi’s inspiring leadership provides a stark contrast to the liberal Republican he defeated in the 2014 primary. His predecessor and current challenger, Bennett Ratliff, held the reputation as one of the most liberal Republicans in the Texas House, scoring a failing grade of 41 on the Index during the 83rd session.
As a loyal supporter of Straus’ coalition government of liberal Republicans and Democrats, Ratliff also ranked near the bottom of his own party’s caucus according to Rice University.
Rinaldi enthusiastically supported historic reform efforts passed by the Patrick-led Senate, such as sweeping ethics reform and stricter state spending limits, both of which were killed by House leadership.
