Congressional nominee killed by drunk driver

Northeast Texas lost a longtime public servant Saturday night when David Bridges was tragically killed in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 30 in Royse City. Bridges, the Fifth District Court of Appeals Justice since 1996, had been campaigning earlier in the day with others vying for the nomination of candidate for the 4th Congressional District seat.

Atlanta mayor Travis Ransom, also a candidate for the Congressional seat, had visited with Bridges in Mt. Vernon before both took I-30 home after the event.

Upon learning of the accident on Sunday, Ransom posted on Facebook:

“I learned of this tragic news this morning. David was a wonderful man who was running for US Congress. We had the opportunity to visit many times, most recently yesterday afternoon in Mount Vernon. David was a true servant leader and a gentleman. There is a brotherhood of mutual respect among those competing for the Congressional seat. When David spoke, he always began by thanking God for two things - Being a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and being a Texan. I am heartbroken for his family. Northeast Texas lost a fine man last night. Please pray for his family.”

The accident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on westbound Interstate 30 near FM 2642. Megan E. Smith, 32, of Royse City, was charged with intoxication manslaughter and was booked into the Hunt County Detention Center. The statement from the police department added Smith was driving the wrong way in the westbound lanes of the interstate and struck two vehicles, one of which was driven by Bridges. Bridges’ was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle was uninjured.

Smith was treated for minor injuries before being booked.

The Congressional seat was left vacant when Republican Ratcliffe was confirmed as the director of national intelligence (DNI) on May 21, 2020.

Due to his resignation and withdrawal from the race, the 4th Congressional District’s Republican Executive Committee will convene on August 8, 2020, to choose a replacement candidate.

Texas’ 4th Congressional District includes the following counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, and Titus; along with areas of Collin and Upshur counties.