Former U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions formally launched his campaign in September to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan, opting against running again in his old Dallas-based district.
“My goal is to work together to restore the Republican majority in the House and maintain our control of the Senate and White House,” Sessions said in a news release Thursday afternoon. “My support for President Trump is unwavering and I will dedicate my time in office to help enact his conservative agenda.”
Sessions lost reelection last year to Dallas Democrat Collin Allred, who defeated Sessions by 7 percentage points. Sessions spent months toying with a rematch in the 32nd District until emerging Tuesday as a likely contender for Flores’ seat.
Sessions, who plans to move to the 17th District, was born in Waco and grew up there. He previously represented some of the counties that are now in the 17th District, including Freestone and Limestone counties.
The notion of a Sessions bid for Flores’ seat prompted a backlash from some local Republicans in the 17th District. Among those speaking out was Flores himself, who balked at Sessions moving toward a run without consulting the incumbent (see opinion piece on page 8-A).
Sessions will face at least one Republican in the primaries. Marine veteran Trent Sutton, is already running, and another, Wes Lloyd, is considering a bid for the office.
A Democrat, Rick Kennedy, is running again for the seat after losing to Flores by 16 percentage points last year.
