After Dedicating Half His Life To Public Service, Joe Deshotel Announces His Retirement

State Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, one of the longest-serving representatives in the Texas legislature, announced on Tuesday evening that he is retiring.

His decision to not run for another term to represent District 22, is solely personal.

“So, after over half my life in some sort of public service, I need some time to myself and with those I love,” the 69-year-old wrote in a statement. “I have met a most wonderful woman with whom I am engaged and love with all my heart. By the time the next legislative session begins, we will be newlyweds starting our life together. I will also have my first grandson by then. I have quite a bit of life-changing blessings to look forward to and on which to focus my energy.”

After serving the Texas Legislature for the past 20 years Deshotel has developed a mastery of the legislative process. In his second session, he was appointed to the Business and Industry Committee that made a significant impact on the Texas economy.

Later on, he was appointed as a member of the Public Education Committee, where he successfully passed bills to enhance early child education and jointly authored House Bill 5, making sweeping changes to Texas High School curriculum and testing. 

He was also appointed to one of the most coveted, the House Calendars, which gave him the opportunity to help structure the items brought to the House Floor for debate. 

Deshotel counts this past session as one of his most successful, helping pass legacy legislation dealing with Eminent Domain.

He told KFDM/Fox 4, that he will definitely miss the work for his constituents and helping improve their lives. “I have a lot of respect for my colleagues and my constituents,” said Deshotel.