Freshman Texas State Representative Jeff Cason (R-Bedford) is not seeking re-election.
On November 2, Cason announced his decision after redistricting changed the partisan orientation of his district, which used to lean Republican but is now solidly Democratic.
“Many have asked me to run in the new HD 93, the republican district being vacated by Matt Krause,” stated Cason. “My wife and I do not believe chasing a position by moving into a new community is the right thing to do. Our roots are in House District 92. I have always been independent in thought and will always fight for principles over party.”
House District 92 has been one of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex’s most competitive districts.
Former state representative Jonathan Stickland only won 49.8% to 47.4% in 2018. Cason won the district in 2020, 50.9% to 47.2% against his Democratic rival.
Brad Johnson of The Texan noted that in the Texan-created Texas Partisan Index, the present HD 92 boundaries provided an R-53% advantage. However, the new district realignment turned HD 92 into a D-60% district.
“It doesn’t make sense to run in a dark blue democrat district where GOP leadership and the Tarrant delegation decided to put me and my neighbors,” Cason continued.
“Let me be clear,” Cason commented, criticizing some of his colleagues. “These maps were created with the approval of Craig Goldman and Stephanie Klick. They are two top chairmen and have the most pull in Tarrant County. We can only surrender a seat to Democrats and punish the most conservative Representative in Tarrant if they allow it.”
On December 2, Cason criticized Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) and the rest of GOP leadership, for “giv[ing] Democrats a new seat and [punishing] the voters of House District 92 for sending [away] one of the most conservative members in the Texas House to serve in Austin.”
In Tarrant County, three Democratic representatives had their districts stay intact more or less, while Rep. Matt Krause’s (R-Fort Worth) district became more Republican. Krause is currently running for Tarrant County District Attorney.
Cason was one of the select few elected officials demanding the initiation of a fourth special session of the Texas state legislature to address vaccine mandates.
He will carry out the rest of his term before his successor assumes HD 92’s seat in January 2023.
Cason is the 14th member of the Texas House to announce retirement.
“The good news is, I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to stay in the fight. I look forward to completing my current term and connecting with Texans across our great state,” he stated.