Phil King, candidate for the Texas Senate in District 10, made a campaign stop in Brownwood on Monday.  The well-attended event was held at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

King, a Republican, is from Weatherford, and has been in the Texas House of Representatives since 1999.  In the recent redistricting process, Brown County was moved into a re-drawn District 10.  This district previously was entirely within Tarrant County (Fort Worth).  Now it encompasses a portion of Tarrant County, then stretches west and south through the counties of Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto, Stevens, Shackelford, and Brown, and is thus a more rural district now.

King as a young man spent 15 years as a Policeman (plus another 20 years as a reserve Policeman), then attended law school and opened a law practice.  He still does some law work, but spends more time in a construction company along with his son.  King and his wife Terry have been married for 43 years.  They have six grown children and sixteen grandchildren.

King mentioned that currently only 14.5% of the Texas population lives west of Interstate 35.  Referring to the new District 10, he thinks it is important that the conservative values of rural Texas be represented in the Texas Senate.  “It’s exciting for those of us who think about family values, limited government, strong law enforcement, and other conservative principles.  I think it’s really important that we have someone in office representing us who not only understands what’s going on in Fort Worth, but understands the different things we face in small communities:  our schools, transportation, business development, environmental issues, family orientation.”  He believes one of the biggest issues for Texas is the unsecured southern border, and the increased amount of illegal drugs coming across the border.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry also attended and spoke in support of King:  “This is someone who you can count on.  For the 17 years that I was Lt. Governor and Governor, Phil King is a guy that I never had to look over my shoulder and wonder if he is still there.  His word is his bond… One of the reasons that I am very comfortable standing up for Phil King is that I have worked with him for 22 years.”

King has one opponent in the Republican primary election, Warren Norred.  The winner of the primary election will face Democrat Beverly Powell in the general election in November.

Important election dates to keep in mind:

February 14:  First day to vote early in person.

February 18:  Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot.

February 25:  Last day to vote early in person.

March 1:  Election Day, and vote-by-mail receipt deadline.