Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R-Fredericksburg) announced he would not seek re-election. In a statement, Biedermann said in a statement that he is “looking forward to spending more time with my family and focusing on growing” his hardware business.
He faced increasing competition in the Republican primary in HD19 (Safe R), the district which includes Gillespie Co., his home county, and adjacent HD73 (Safe R), which includes Comal Co., where Biedermann owns property. Justin Berry, an Austin police officer and 2020 Republican nominee for HD47, and former Austin council member Ellen Troxclair were already running for legislative seats when HD19 was relocated to Central Texas and drawn to include western Travis Co. At least three Republicans have announced plans to seek open HD73: former New Braunfels Mayor Barron Casteel, New Braunfels educator George Green and Dripping Springs health and wellness business owner Carrie Isaac, the 2020 Republican nominee for HD45.
He becomes be the 17th House member elected to the 87th Legislature who will not be returning. Reps. Phil King (R-Weatherford), Matt Krause (R-Fort Worth), Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and James White (R-Hillister) are seeking other offices. Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) is exploring a run for mayor. Rep. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) was running for Congress but suspended her campaign. Reps. Dan Huberty (R-Humble), Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio), Ben Leman (R-Iola), Eddie Lucio III (D-Brownsville), Jim Murphy (R-Houston), Chris Paddie (R-Marshall), Scott Sanford (R-McKinney) and John Turner (D-Dallas) are retiring. Former Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Waxahachie) is now in Congress, and former Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio) resigned. Several other members, including Reps. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) and Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) are considering running for other offices.
So far, three senators are also not returning. Sen. Dawn Buckingham (R-Lakeway) is running for Land Commissioner. Sens. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) are retiring.
Early voting concluded today (Friday) for Tuesday’s constitutional amendment, general and special elections. Absentee ballots arriving after today through the lawful deadline will be included in early vote totals.
HD33 (Safe R): Heath IT security executive Dennis S. London established a campaign committee for a potential primary challenge of Rep. Justin Holland (R-Heath).
HD63 open (Likely R): Flower Mound firearms manufacturer and council member Ben Bumgarner established a campaign committee for a potential run as a Republican for the seat being vacated by Reps. Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) and Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound).
HD94 (Likely R): Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) announced he would seek re-election.
HD122 open (Likely R): San Antonio bank strategic planning executive Mark D. Cuthbert established a campaign committee for a potential run as a Republican for the seat being vacated by Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio).
CD8 open (Safe R): Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) endorsed Morgan Luttrell (R).
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