One local mayor will likely face an uphill climb in his bid to become the Republican nominee for Texas’ open 26th Congressional District.
Southlake Mayor John Huffman announced his congressional run last month, describing himself as “conservative to the core” on his campaign website. However, a report by Breitbart suggests that some of his past political positions could prove a significant issue to voters in the district, which typically heavily favors Republicans.
Huffman, who previously served on the Southlake City Council, attended a purported Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd. He was photographed at the event by a Community Impact reporter. Photos from the days surrounding the demonstration show boarded-up businesses at Southlake Town Square, where pro-BLM residents and city officials gathered, some of whom held signs condemning the police.
While on the city council, Huffman also seemed to lend his support to the notion that racism is widespread in the United States.
“Racism is real, it’s around us, and sweeping it under the rug is not going to help,” Huffman said in 2018, per NBC 5 DFW.
Additionally, he endorsed the work of the Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture, which was created to “act in an advisory capacity to the Council and city staff in the planning and implementation of programs and activities involving diversity, inclusion, and equality,” according to the body’s website.
Huffman has reportedly struck a more anti-left-wing posture in recent years, particularly around education issues, however, it is unclear whether that will be enough to sway voters in the solidly-Republican district.
In the primary, Huffman will be facing former investment banker Brandon Gill, who has already secured major endorsements from high-profile Republicans like former President Donald Trump and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Texas’ 26th Congressional District comprises parts of Denton County, rural portions of Cooke County, and other areas in North Texas.
Huffman reportedly did not respond to requests for comment from Breitbart.
