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May 16, 2023

David Covey announces run for Texas House District 21

David Covey announced his run for Texas State Representative District 21 on June

David Covey announced his run for Texas State Representative District 21 on June 8.

After another candidate suspended his campaign, an Orange man has announced his run for Texas House District 21.

Former Orange County Republican Chairman David Covey announced his run against Texas Speaker Dade Phelan Thursday via social media.

"As a lifelong Texan and resident of Southeast Texas, it would be my honor to be your champion in the fight for our conservative values," Covey said a news release. "For me, God comes first, then family and everything else after those two. I am a Republican because, like you, I believe in limited government, fair elections, and our God-given 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms."

RELATED: Speaker Phelan challenger suspends campaign after two days

Covey is running to give readers a conservative choice, according to the release.

"I am your choice if you believe Republicans should not comprise with liberal Democrats and lock arms with them to kill conservative legislation," Covey said in the release. "I am your choice if you believe we should eliminate property taxes, secure our borders and protect our children."

Within his work as the former Orange County Republican chairman, Covey has "worked hard" while advocating for the Republican platform on both county and state levels, the release states.

"As your next Representative, I will work even harder to pass republican priorities and ensure that liberal Democrat legislation dies a brutal death," Covey said in the release. "Please join me in sending a message to Austin that Republicans are tired of losing when we have a Republican majority in the Texas House. Stop making excuses and get the job done."

RELATED: Speaker Phelan has first competitor since 2014 election

Phelan's Communications Director Cait Wittman has confirmed that he will be running for reelection. Wittman said they will formally be announcing the run in the coming weeks.

Jefferson County GOP Precinct Chair Shilo Platts announced his run for office Tuesday and suspended his campaign just two days later.

Phelan has not had a challenger since he beat Democrat Gavin Bruney when he was first elected in 2014.

All of the United States House districts, 21st Congressional District of Texas included, are holding elections in 2024. The general election is Nov. 5, 2024, with the primary on March 5 and a primary runoff on May 28. The filing deadline for a place on the ballot is Dec. 11, 2023.