With early voting in the primary election underway, former President Donald Trump threw his support behind several candidates for the Texas House and statewide judicial races.
Trump endorsed the following House candidates:
- Brent Money for House District 2, a seat only recently filled by Jill Dutton in a special election
- Joanne Shofner, who is challenging State Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) for House District 11
- Steve Toth (R–Conroe), who is the current representative for House District 15
- Janis Holt, who is challenging State Rep. Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd) for House District 18
- Gary Gates (R–Richmond), who is the current representative for House District 28
- Wes Virdell for House District 53, which is an open seat following the retirement of State Rep. Andrew Murr (R-Junction)
- Hillary Hickland, who is challenging State Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple) for House District 55
- Stormy Bradley, who is challenging State Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) for House District 72
- Don McLaughlin for House District 80, which is an open seat following the retirement of Tracy King (D-Uvalde)
- John Smithee (R–Amarillo), who is the current representative for House District 86
- Caroline Fairly for House District 87, which is an open seat following the retirement of Four Price (R-Amarillo)
- Barry Wernick, who is challenging State Rep. Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas) for House District 108
Bailes, Darby, Shine, and Meyer all voted to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton—a close ally of Trump. Gates also voted for impeachment but later apologized and contributed $15,000 to Paxton’s campaign fund.
Bailes, Darby, Clardy, and Shine all voted against Gov. Greg Abbott’s school choice program. Abbott has endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
Trump also endorsed the following judicial candidates:
- David Schenck, who is running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals against Judge Sharon Keller
- Gina Parker, who is running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals against Judge Barbara Parker Hervey
- Lee Finley, who is running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals against Judge Michelle Slaughter
Trump’s latest comments came after he endorsed four challengers to House Republicans last week.
Those candidates include the following:
- Mike Olcott, challenging State Rep. Glenn Rogers (R–Graford) in House District 60
- Helen Kerwin, challenging State Rep. DeWayne Burns (R–Cleburne) in House District 58
- Alan Schoolcraft, challenging State Rep. John Kuempel (R–Seguin) in House District 44
- Liz Case, challenging State Rep. Stan Lambert (R–Abilene) in House District 71
All four incumbents voted to impeach Paxton and voted against school choice.
He also endorsed Brent Hagenbuch for the open Senate District 30 being vacated by retiring State Sen. Drew Springer (R–Muenster).
Trump has also endorsed David Covey, who is challenging House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont).
Early voting is ongoing through March 1. Election Day is March 5.
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