Chad Hasty, a conservative talk show host in West Texas who became a prominent voice in Texas politics, died on Thursday. He was 43.
The Chad Hasty Show on the Lubbock station aired every afternoon and was syndicated throughout Texas. Hasty was known for his political commentary and well-known guests, like Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
“Chad was not only a brilliant on-air host, but an even better friend. Our deepest condolences go out to Jennifer and his baby girl, Ava,” Dan Endom, the president of Townsquare Media Lubbock, said in a statement. “It’s hard to imagine not seeing his welcoming presence roaming the halls.”
Hasty started working for the Lubbock radio station in 2003 and eventually took over its morning show. In 2021, the Grand Prairie native’s show moved to late afternoons.
Hasty loved baseball hats, premium cigars and trying new restaurants, according to a Texas Tribune obituary.
Burrows, who represents Lubbock, said he was “heartbroken” to learn of Hasty’s death.
“Time and again, he offered me a seat at his microphone and the opportunity to speak directly to the people I serve,” Burrows wrote on X. “He believed in giving leaders a platform — and holding them accountable — and he did both with professionalism, respect, and a healthy dose of humor.”
Other Texas politicos chimed in.
“Every day, Chad showed up to the microphone with conviction, informing Texans on the critical policy and political fights happening in the Legislature and our state,” Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X.
“Chad was one of the greatest voices in Texas, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout the state,” said Sen. Ted Cruz.
Hasty is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his 1-year-old daughter, Ava.