Springer won’t seek reelection

State Sen. Drew Springer announced last week that he will not seek re-election, saying he plans to return to Weatherford to helm the family financial planning and money management business when his father steps back next year.

“I look forward to taking on the daily responsibilities. His support has made my service possible, and I am deeply thankful,” Sen. Springer said in a statement. He also thanked his wife, Lydia, and their children for their sacrifices, and his staff and supporters. He said he “strived to be a steadfast conservative.”

“It has been a source of immense pride to champion the conservative values and policies that matter to constituents and myself,” he said. “Whether it was defending the 2nd Amendment, promoting pro-life principles, advocating for economic development, enhancing education, supporting our first responders, ensuring fiscal responsibility, or advancing pro-business policies, my commitment has remained resolute.”

Sen. Springer will have served 12 years as a state law- maker when he leaves office in January of 2025, winning his Texas House seat in 2013 and serving one term in the state Senate.

The last year brought significant political challenges and scrutiny for Sen. Springer: Texas Monthly magazine voted him among the 10 Worst Legislators” in the 88th Legislative Session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatened to recruit a primary challenger unless he voted to acquit Attorney General Ken Paxton in his Senate impeachment trial in September. And had he run for re-election, Sen. Springer would have faced a primary challenge for the 30th District seat from Frisco physician Carrie de Moor, who criticized the incumbent as “a career politician who has been a close ally of liberal House Speaker Dade Phelan.”

Sen. Springer also faced local criticism for supporting a school voucher scheme that Olney Independent School District administrators, board members, and teachers say will gut funding for rural school districts.