With possible US House redistricting, and other major changes in the political landscape of Texas, residents of District 72 may be wondering if Rep. Drew Darby will seek another term in Austin.
Darby hasn’t announced whether he intends to run in 2026, and probably won’t announce anything until after the special session.
Last time, Darby didn’t announce until October of 2023, but there were four special sessions that year.
The Concho Observer received unconfirmed reports that former San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter may be considering a run for the office.
It could even end up as a crowded field, if the governor’s pick to run against Darby last cycle, Stormy Bradley, throws her hat into the ring.
Bradley, who hails from Big Spring, ran against Darby in the Republican Primary with financial support from Gov. Abbott. Bradley has not publicly announced whether she plans to run again.
President Trump endorsed nearly all Texas House Republicans as a reward for the legislature’s passage of school vouchers, which Darby had long opposed until his vote in support this year.
A definitive list of who was endorsed has not been made public, but only a handful of Republican representatives voted against the measure.
With Rep. Darby’s recent capitulation on school vouchers during the regular session, it is not known whether Abbott and the MAGA wing of the Republican Party will be backing an alternate candidate in District 72 this time.
