Chris Spencer releases statement

Conservative business owner and community leader Chris Spencer released the following statement upon Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek re-election:

 "I thank Representative Gary VanDeaver for his years of service and sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter. 

 “It is clear Josh Bray who announced his campaign today is poised to carry the torch for liberal Obama-era values like the ones he voted for on the Democrat primary ballot in 2008. I’m confident voters will see right through his rhetoric.”

 “As I look ahead to this race, I am committed to carrying the torch for conservative values that our district holds dear. I will fight to protect our precious water resources, cut taxes for hardworking families, and boldly stand up for our conservative way of life.”

 Spencer also released his current list of local and state leaders who has thus far endorsed his campaign: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, True Texas Project, Former State Representative George Lavender, Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, Texas State Representative Daniel Alders, Texas State Representative Cody Vasut, Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson, Texas State Representative Tony Tinderholt, Texas State Representative Brent Money, Texas State Representative Mitch Little, Texas State Representative Andy Hopper, Texas State Representative Keresa Richardson, Conservative Leader Dale Huls, Former Cass County Judge Charles McMichael, Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe, Morris County Sheriff Jack Martin, Avinger Mayor Jeff Patterson, DeKalb Mayor Lowell Walker, Hooks Mayor Marc Reiter, Cass County Commissioner Brett Fitts, Cass County Commissioner Kevin Young, Lamar County Commissioner Ronnie Bass, Lamar County Commissioner Alan Skidmore, Morris County Commissioner Todd Freeman, Morris County Commissioner Kerry McCoy, SREC Committeewoman SD 1 Christin Bentley and SREC Committeeman SD 1 Paul Hale.