MEET THE CANDIDATES
EDITOR’S NOTE: As 2026 shapes up as a historic midterm year, The Concho Observer’s will be publishing questionnaires sent to local candidates for our “Meet the Candidate” series.
Name: Drew Darby (R)
Running for: Texas House of Representatives, District 72 (incumbent)
Why are you running/seeking re-election?
I am seeking re-election to House District 72 because the people of our district deserve a proven, effective voice in the Texas House. As one of the few remaining rural members, I have worked tirelessly to represent the residents, families, and businesses of the Concho Valley and West Texas.
I am proud of the results we have delivered, including bringing millions of dollars in new investment to our communities and to local institutions such as Angelo State University and Howard College. Last session, I was ranked among the top five most productive members of the Texas House. That matters, because West Texas families deserve more than good intentions—they deserve a representative with a record of delivering results.
Too often, rural Texas gets the short end of the stick. I have seen it firsthand. We are not a priority unless we make ourselves one. With my experience and record, I am often the only voice in the room advocating for our region on the issues that directly affect us. At a critical moment for our communities, the idea of that voice being replaced by someone without the experience, expertise, or commitment to rural conservative values is deeply concerning.
I would not serve if I did not believe I could be effective. I believe my experience, results, and resolve make me the best advocate for House District 72. As a top-15 senior member of the Texas House, I am positioned to serve on critical committees important to West Texas, including my role as chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee and service on the State Affairs Committee.
What are your top priorities?
My priorities remain consistent: reining in out-of-control property taxes, funding schools, investing in infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare, and supporting an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps our communities working. That includes continued investment in Angelo State University and Howard College, strengthening mental health services, and building on the historic water infrastructure funding needed to secure West Texas’ future.
Over the past several sessions, I have filed and passed legislation to advance these goals—but there is still more work to do. In the coming session, I plan to introduce legislation to cut red tape and reduce bloated permitting processes that slow energy development. I will also refile my ERCOT reform legislation to ensure that data centers bringing their own generation online do not drive up electricity costs for Texas families, while also ensuring these facilities do not consume excessive amounts of water at the expense of local communities. In addition, I will continue fighting for transportation investments that improve safety, connectivity, and economic growth across our rural communities.
These priorities are not slogans—they are commitments. Rural Texas can always be more, and we should never settle for vague promises. I am focused on delivering real, measurable results that families can see and feel in their daily lives.
What issues have constituents told you they were concerned about?
One of the things I am most proud of is how directly constituents shape the legislation I carry. Many of the bills I have passed and signed into law began as conversations with the people of House District 72. Their priorities, not political talking points, drive the work I do in Austin.
Across the district, I hear consistent concerns about rising property taxes, increasing utility costs, and the growing pressure placed on rural communities by outside interests. Families are worried about whether they can afford to stay on their land, keep their operations running, and pass something on to the next generation.
A growing issue I hear about is the rapid expansion of data centers in rural Texas. Constituents are rightly concerned about these facilities driving up electricity costs, consuming limited water resources, and threatening private property rights. These are not abstract issues—they directly affect the future of West Texas.
There are no simple villains or easy fixes. What I can do is listen, ask hard questions, and deliver practical, conservative solutions that reflect the values and priorities of the people I represent. I never pretend to know better than those who elected me. I trust the people of West Texas and the Concho Valley to tell me what they need, and I will continue working to make it happen.
Any plans for rallies, town halls, or meetings in the near future?
Yes, while I continually travel the district meeting with local civic groups, businesses, and community institutions, I do plan to host additional town halls leading up to the 2027 legislative session. These town halls will provide an open forum to hear directly from constituents, discuss priorities for the upcoming session, and answer questions about the work being done on behalf of House District 72.
My staff and I are always available to meet personally with constituents. I believe the best solutions come from listening, and I welcome the opportunity to sit down one-on-one to discuss any concern, idea, or issue you may be facing. If you need assistance or would like to schedule a meeting, please contact my District Office at (325) 658-7313 or email district72.darby@house.texas.gov. We are always happy to help.
Texas House of Representatives District 72 is currently represented by Drew Darby, who runs un-opposed in the Republican primary. Darby will face Shiloh Salazar, who runs un-opposed in the Democratic primary, in the general election.
