Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) is being challenged by an ex-lobbyist named Skip Ogle who has donated to Democrats in the past.
Schaefer courageously and vocally opposed the moderate liberal Speaker Joe Straus in the last speaker race. Schaeffer ran for his seat when veteran lawmaker Leo Berman had decided not to run again. Later, Berman decided to run again, but Schaeffer won the race and performed admirably.
The establishment has a track record of trying to punish people who oppose the Speaker. Wayne Christian was redistricted out of 80% of his district after opposing Straus. Christian is now running for Railroad Commissioner.
According to the TEC, John Ogle was a lobbyist for Suddenlink in 2013. Ogle gave to Democrat Rene Olivera in 2007 and Democrat Mark Homer in 2005. Olivera is a career “F” on Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s Fiscal Responsibility index. In his last session in office, the 81st, Homer was an “F” as well.
Schaefer scored a 100% in his first session.
–TFR scorecard
–TEC lobby lists