As Texans express frustration with the actions of their state representatives during the recently concluded regular legislative session, more Republican lawmakers are drawing primary challengers for 2024.
In North Texas, Dennis London is again challenging four-term incumbent State Rep. Justin Holland (R–Heath) to represent Texas House District 33, which includes Rockwall County and part of southern Collin County.
A self-described constitutional conservative, London previously challenged Holland in the 2022 GOP primary, drawing 26 percent of the vote to Holland’s 69 percent in a three-way race.
London is a cybersecurity business owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who fled liberal California and moved to Texas in 2018.
His campaign platform emphasizes safeguarding individual liberties, promoting responsible governance, and ensuring that the voices of HD 33 constituents are heard and respected.
London says he is focused on restoring trust and accountability in the Texas House and aims to put the needs and concerns of his constituents at the forefront of his agenda.
“You’re voting for someone to represent you and the rest of your District, not someone to go down to Austin and do whatever they want,” he said.
Holland is a realtor in Rockwall County.
He has faced mounting criticism this year for what London calls his “blatant disregard” for the priorities of his constituents.
“Holland’s actions have raised serious concerns among voters, not just in District 33, but throughout all of Texas,” London said in a press statement. “Starting from his unwavering support of Speaker Phelan and his appointing Democrats to committee chair positions, to his vote to unconstitutionally impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton.”
Holland drew fire in May for supporting a controversial gun control measure that Gun Owners of America called “a slap in the face” to law-abiding gun owners.
This bill is a slap in the face to gun owners. Law-abiding citizens ages 18-20 have EVERY right to protect and defend themselves.
Compromises like this are why we work incredibly hard to vet candidates' Second Amendment beliefs before offering them our support and the support of… https://t.co/dHCkWiNA9P
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) May 9, 2023
Holland was also one of the 60 House Republicans who voted to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—a vote denounced by multiple county Republican parties, including the Collin County GOP, as well as the Texas GOP.
On Friday, Holland drew more criticism for a tweet calling the State Republican Executive Committee and Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi—who are elected by grassroots Republicans—“irrelevant.”
Randan Steinhauser, a former SREC member who is running to represent Texas on the Republican National Committee, responded, “This is an example of someone who puts an “R” beside their name because they know they must in order to get elected (ie: obtain power).”
Please define "real TX Politics" ?
This is an example of someone who puts an “R” beside their name because they know they must in order to get elected (ie: obtain power).
Good luck "winning without them" Justin. #TXLege https://t.co/3TFpyZBvPq
— Randan Marie Steinhauser (@RandanMarie) June 18, 2023
Republican State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (Arlington) said he is “grateful for the grassroots.”
It’s sad to see politicians attack the @TexasGOP, which did more to advance GOP policy than I’ve ever seen in any session.
Our State Party is a model for the nation, and that is why liberal Republicans are attacking them.
I, for one, am grateful for the grassroots. #txlege
— Rep. Tony Tinderholt (@reptinderholt) June 18, 2023
London says that by championing the preservation of the Constitution, working to secure the Texas border as well as personal property rights, and continuing the quest to eliminate property taxes—all Texas GOP platform priorities—he aims to ensure that the votes and voices of the people are not overshadowed or disregarded.
Texas will hold its 2024 primary elections on Tuesday, March 5.
