Dallas County Republican Party chairwoman Missy Shorey passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night, April 23. She was 47 years old.
News of Missy’s passing was initially reported by her husband, Marc Himelhoch, in a heart-wrenching post on Facebook. She was visiting Washington D.C. as part of a speaking engagement at the American Enterprise Institute. The cause of her death remains uncertain.
Missy made headlines in 2017 when she became the first elected female leader of the Dallas County Republican Party. Public officials throughout the state of Texas voiced their shock and sorrow at the news of her loss.
James Dickey, chairman of the Texas Republican Party, released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Dallas County Republican Party Chairwoman Missy Shorey last night. Her enthusiastic leadership and fierce dedication to Republican values will be missed in Dallas County and throughout Texas.”
Judge Clay Jenkins, a Democrat, and native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area said, “Missy Shorey was a formidable and honorable opponent when we disagreed and a person I considered to be a friend. The Republican Party will miss her leadership.”
Other officials, such as Gov. Greg Abbott, Congressman Lance Gooden, and Congressman Chip Roy also took to social media to express their condolences.
Earlier in the day, the Texas House held a moment of silence on the floor upon news of her passing.
Missy led the Dallas County GOP during a time when many seats changed from Republican to Democratic control following the 2018 election. Missy also served as the executive director of Maggie’s List, the federal PAC that aims to place conservative women in public office.
She is survived by her husband Marc and their loved ones. Her memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills, New York. A second memorial service in Dallas will occur at a date to be determined.
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