A Houston-area lawmaker has announced he will not seek re-election to the Texas Legislature after receiving widespread rebukes from Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey, and other Republican officials for his comments regarding his primary opponents.
Late in the afternoon on Tuesday, State Rep. Rick Miller (R–Sugarland) announced he would no longer seek re-election after making inappropriate comments to the Houston Chronicle regarding his two primary opponents, Jacey Jetton and Leonard Chan, and their Asian ethnicity.
Miller issued the following statement:
“During a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle I made some statements that were insensitive and inexcusable. As a veteran of the US Navy and elected official I have dedicated my life to public service and improving the lives of our country and my constituency.
My comments were not made with malice nor do they reflect who I strive to be. I want to publicly apologize to Jacey, Leonard, and my constituents and friends who have put their trust in me through the years. I do not want to be a distraction for my party or my constituents, and therefore I have decided not to seek re-election.”
As published in Texas Scorecard prior to Miller’s decision to not seek re-election:
“Rick Miller’s constituents can view his comments regarding his competition however they wish, but his record as a legislator alone is sufficient cause for them to choose someone else to represent them in the Texas Legislature.
Hopefully, taxpayers in Fort Bend County will elect someone who will fight for them and their interests in 2020.”
With Miller hanging it up voluntarily, that cause just became more of a reality. Hopefully, other lackluster lawmakers will find ways to put their feet in their mouths prior to the primary.
