After 12 years Serving the House, State Rep. James White Won’t Seek Reelection

Chairman of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, James White, recently said during an interview that he would not seek another term in office.  

According to the Texas Tribune, White is considering a statewide run, as long as “the people want me to pursue that,” he said. And though he did not disclose which state-level seat he would run for, White added “we believe that we’re qualified, and we’re competitive. We will definitely consider joining the statewide field.”

As the only Black Republican in the Texas House, White has been known for blocking both the George Floyd Act and gun safety reforms, as well as for his ongoing support towards permitless carry legislation.

When asked about backing police reforms, Chairman White would only say he supports “constitutional policing” and that measures are needed to support law enforcement.

“Without law enforcement, our laws aren’t worth the ink or the paper that’s being used to convey them to the public,” he said.

Representing District 19 in East Texas, White was first elected in 2010 and has served in the House since 2011. As his term comes to an end, he has suggested that 12 years just might be enough, especially as there is little left of his original district.

House District 19 covers East Texas counties such as Tyler, Jasper, and Polk, but speculation on the District’s possibility of disappearing has started to spread since population loss has been increasing in the area.

​The Texas House doesn’t have term limits, but White believes it might be time to go.

“I’m a term limit guy by nature, I wish we had term limits in Texas,” he said. “So I think my window is closing after this session, this term, so I will not contend for reelection in the great House District 19.” White said.