After eight years in the Texas legislature, State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R–Bedford) has announced he will not seek re-election.
In a post on his campaign’s Facebook page on Monday morning, Stickland laid out his reasonings for the announcement.
“Eight years was enough for George Washington, and it certainly is for me,” said Stickland. “After much prayerful consideration and reflection, I have determined it is not the Lord’s will for me to seek reelection. Instead, I intend to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and my business.”
A taxpayer champion since his first session in the state legislature in 2013, Stickland has been known by Texans across the state as an outspoken and authentic firebrand, regularly opposing establishment forces by refusing to “go along to get along.” That attitude often won little friends inside the Capitol—where those close to House leadership often punished him by denying him credit for passing legislation—but endeared him to grassroots Texans as a reliable voice for taxpayers in the state Capitol.
During his tenure, Stickland earned the highest career rating of any lawmaker on the Fiscal Responsibility Index for his voting record on fiscal and limited government issues. He was also known for championing various other conservative causes, such as constitutional carry and pro-life reforms. During the recent legislative session, Stickland passed a bipartisan bill to end red-light cameras in Texas, a wildly popular reform recently signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Those in the political establishment celebrating Stickland’s departure from the legislature should do so with caution; Stickland says he’s not going anywhere.
“Being able to contribute to the conservative movement without the shackles of elected office is very exciting, and ultimately I have become convinced, more impactful,” Stickland told Texas Scorecard. “This won’t be the last you’ll see of me; sorry to disappoint the establishment forces!”
Stickland’s full post on his retirement can be read below:
