Pro-Life hero retires from state Legislature after eight years

After serving four consecutive terms in Texas House District 92, Representative Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) officially announced on Monday that he will not seek another term in office.

 

The 35-year-old, staunchly conservative Republican was first elected to the Texas House in 2012, later to be reelected in 2014, 2016, and 2018.  “Eight years was enough for George Washington,” Stickland commented in a Facebook post on Monday, “and it certainly is for me.”

 

Over his eight-year career in the House — which includes membership in the committees for County Affairs and Land & Resource Management — Stickland has set himself apart as an especially vocal member of the Texas legislature, using his influence to speak out against anti-Life bills and speak up for life-affirming legislation.  During the 86th legislative session, for example, Stickland authored an amendment to SB 22, declaring that the state may not “restrict a municipality or county from prohibiting abortion” — an inspiring amendment for Waskom, Texas, a city that has recently outlawed elective abortion within the city’s borders.

 

Stickland’s decision to resign from the House was spurred by his commitment to “citizen legislators,” those House members who serve the best interest of the people, rather than “career politicians” who stay in the House as long as they can and for their personal profit.  “When I first considered running, I dreamt of one day leaving on my own terms,” Stickland’s Facebook statement read, “not being rejected by my neighbors after staying for too long or losing sight of the values they sent me to defend. I am thankful that I’m now blessed with the opportunity to do just that.”

 

Stickland’s values include, in addition to Pro-Life conviction, a commitment to his Christian faith.  As a member of First Baptist Church of Hurst, Stickland attributes his success to God: “Praise and thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Everything that I am is only because of Him.”

 

At this time, former Bedford city council member Jeff Carson has officially announced that he will vie for the House District 92 seat vacated by Representative Stickland.  Cason is a conservative candidate whom Stickland has endorsed.  

 

Texas Right to Life thanks Representative Jonathan Stickland for his commitment to the Pro-Life movement and wishes him the best as he retires from public service.