Allegations have come to light that in his quest for a state Senate seat, State Rep. Drew Springer (R–Muenster) stopped helping a North Texas city because the mayor endorsed his opponent.
According to a report from Push Junction, Springer offered help to New Hope’s mayor Angel Hamm fight the placement of a high voltage power transmission line in the city. Springer allegedly offered to help the city work with the Public Utility Commission to stop the deal after meeting Hamm at a Labor Day event.
New Hope does not fall within Springer’s House district, but it does fall within the Senate district he is currently running for in a special election runoff.
Shortly after, however, Springer learned that Hamm had endorsed one of his opponents, Dallas salon owner and anti-lockdown activist Shelley Luther. Springer then sent Hamm a text message calling the endorsement “disappointing” and withdrawing his offer to help.
According to Push Junction:
Legal experts consulted on this matter advised that Springer may have violated multiple sections of state law, constituting a crime. Specifically, this could be an example of official oppression, coercion of a public official, and more broadly, the Texas Constitution’s bribery language.
Springer was notably one of several lawmakers to defend Speaker Dennis Bonnen last year after he was caught on a recording using his position as an elected official to offer an official activity in exchange for targeted political spending.
As of publishing, Springer’s campaign has not returned comment on the story to Texas Scorecard.
Early voting in the special election runoff for Senate District 30 begins today, with Election Day on December 19.
