In a surprise announcement, State Rep. Mike Lang (R–Granbury) declared Wednesday he will run for a seat on Hood County Commissioners Court in 2020 rather than seeking a return to the Texas Legislature.
Lang had announced in August he was running for re-election to his House District 60 seat, which he has held since 2017. But the Texas Freedom Caucus chairman said in a statement Wednesday he felt he would be of greater service to his community by focusing on local issues:
“With the recent decision of Hood County Commissioner White not to seek re-election, it is my intention to run for this position and retire from the Texas House of Representatives at the end of my term. The fight starts at home and we need experienced servant leaders. I believe we can make Hood County a shining example of what local control truly embodies. Though in a different arena, I am still called to fight. This fight has been long overlooked by conservatives, and it starts at the local level.”
The move marks a return to local government for the two-term Republican lawmaker. In 2013, Lang was elected as a Hood County constable, following a 30-year career in local law enforcement. Lang’s wife Katie currently serves as Hood County Clerk.
Lang will be seeking the Precinct 3 position currently held by Commissioner Bruce White. State lawmakers are not required to resign to run for local office but may not run for two offices at the same time.
