Why I’m running for Texas House District 114

I represented our area in the Texas House of Representatives for nine years then for fourteen years in the U.S. House of Representatives. After serving, I returned to private business, law, and civic activity here at home.

During my service, I was twice named one of the “Ten Best Legislators in Texas” by Texas Monthly, successfully prosecuted impeachment of a corrupt federal judge before the U.S. Senate, and passed the East Texas Wilderness Bill establishing Texas’ only federally protected wilderness.

I’m running again because the threat to our democracy now requires everyone to get off the sidelines and join the fight in the way they can be most effective.

I’m running because the privileged Republican donor class that funds Trump completely dominates public policy in Texas and we are not fighting back effectively.

My wife and I have lived here all of our adult lives. Our three children are grown, and we are lucky to have four grandchildren.

I am free to speak out and lead fights other elected officials will avoid due to ambition or fear of economic reprisals.

I’m not afraid of the utilities and pipeline barons. I will sponsor a bill to make energy companies that made an $11 billion windfall during the freeze pay for winterizing their plants and require our state to join the national electric grid so we will never have another power outage.

I’m not afraid of the big commercial real estate barons. Property taxes on our homes are high because major commercial properties are consistently under-appraised and not paying their fair share. This is the result of a decision by the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court. I will sponsor legislation to make them shoulder their fair share.

I’m not afraid of the anti-choice extremists. I will sponsor and fight for legislation to restore a woman’s right to make her own choice regarding reproductive health.

I’m not afraid of the NRA gun lobby and I have a record to prove it. I voted for the federal ban on assault rifles which was law for ten years before Republicans took over. I will introduce and fight for banning sale of military assault rifles, restoring gun permit requirements, and enacting reasonable gun restrictions that will make our schools and public places safe again

We can start winning these battles. I know how to do it.

I hope I can earn your vote.

John Bryant