“The Back Mic” is a weekly look inside Texas politics and policy presented by The Texan. In just a few bullet points every Friday, you’ll know about the critical developments from the candidates, elected officials, and policies that impact Texans everywhere.
Texas House Retirements
- Rep. Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) will not run for reelection to the Texas House.
- Bohac won reelection with a mere 47 votes in 2018 against Adam Milasincic.
- Josh Wallenstein and Akilah Bacy have entered the race as Democrats.
- Josh Flynn, son of Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Canton) and Harris County Department of Education trustee, said in a statement he’s considering running for the seat.
- Rep. Mike Lang (R-Granbury) will not seek reelection to the Texas House and instead will run for Hood County Commissioner.
- Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) told The Texan, “Texas needs people in county office that put hard-working taxpayers first. Mike is the kind of guy who won’t be brainwashed by TAC [Texas Association of Counties].”
- Lang serves as chairman of the Texas House Freedom Caucus.
Gun Debate Splits GOP
- Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appeared on multiple radio shows this week, doubling down on his call for expanded background checks. On the Joe Pags Show:
- “As a Republican, we at least have to talk about these things at the table. We can’t just say ‘thoughts and prayers.”
- James Dickey, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, penned an op-ed in the Texas Tribune’s “TribTalk” publication:
- “The facts don’t support any efforts at limiting the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
- “Not only do mandatory EBCs raise more false positives, effectively limiting law-abiding citizens’ right to keep and bear arms, but also they have been proven not to work.”
- Former Texas State Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R-Irving) wrote in the Texas Scorecard:
- “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick—not Beto—poses the biggest threat to Texas gun owners.”
Annual Legislature?
- Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) penned an op-ed in the San Antonio Express-News advocating for the Texas Legislature to meet every year for the legislative session.
- He proposed meeting for 70-day increments each year, as opposed to 140 days every other year.
Impeachment
- Reps. Colin Allred (D-TX-32) and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7) made waves by backing the impeachment of President Trump, despite both representing swing districts.
- All 13 Congressional Democrats from Texas have called for Trump’s impeachment.
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McKenzie DiLullo
McKenzie DiLullo serves as Senior Editor and resident plate-spinner for The Texan. Previously, she worked as State Representative Kyle Biedermann’s Capitol Director during the 85th legislative session before moving to Fort Worth to manage Senator Konni Burton’s campaign. In her free time, you might find her enjoying dog memes, staring at mountains, or proctoring personality tests.
