U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced he would not seek re-election. Brady, who is serving his 13th term, said that his inability to chair the Ways & Means Committee next session, should Republicans recapture a majority, factored in to his decision. House Republican rules limit the number of terms a member may lead a committee or be its ranking member.
“Our committee leader term limits ensure lawmakers who work hard and effectively have the opportunity to lead, to bring fresh ideas to our committee work,” Brady said in a statement. “In my view, it’s a good thing.”
He is the second member of the Texas delegation to announce his retirement, joining U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville), who announced his retirement last month.
Campaign Finance: Federal candidates and officeholders’ April quarterly reports are due tomorrow, except for candidates in the special election for CD6. Instead of quarterly reports, they will file pre-election reports on April 19.
CD6 special: Rep. Jake Ellzey’s (R-Waxahachie) campaign announced he raised more than $500K during the first quarter.
The Brian Harrison (R) campaign released a list of more than 100 endorsements from former Trump Administration officials including former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and former U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos.
Appellate Districts: The Senate gave final approval to a bill that would create a new statewide Texas Court of Appeals alongside the current 14 appellate districts. Senate Bill 1529 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) would give the newly formed court exclusive appellate jurisdiction over most civil cases involving the state or challenging the constitutionality of a statute. The five-member panel would be elected statewide with all five positions on the ballot in 2022. The bill passed on a party-line vote.
Currently, many lawsuits involving the state or the constitutionality of a statute move through the Austin-based Third Court of Appeals, which is presided over by five Democrats and one Republican. Huffman’s bill would instead send those appeals to the new court comprised of justices elected statewide. No Democrat has won a statewide race in Texas since 1994.
Dallas: The Dallas Morning News endorsed council members David Blewett and Adam McGough for re-election.
Fort Worth: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorsed Lee Henderson over Leonard Firestone for the council seat being vacated by Dennis Shingleton. Firestone has the support of Mayor Betsy Price, former Mayor Mike Moncrief and Shingleton. The paper endorsed council member Jungus Jordan for re-election.
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