LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – House Budget Committee Chairman and Lubbock Representative Jodey Arrington says he will not seek re-election in 2026.
“I have a firm conviction, much like our founders did, that public service is a lifetime commitment, but public office is and should be a temporary stint in stewardship, not a career,” Rep. Arrington said in a recent interview with Fox News.
President Trump endorsed Arrington for another term just eight days ago.
Arrington was first elected to congress in 2016, a term that began in 2017, succeeding Randy Neugebauer as the representative for the South Plains and Big Country. Arrington previously served as Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance’s chief of staff, then as vice chancellor for research and commercialization.
Arrington was a finalist to become the next Texas Tech chancellor. In September, regents selected Brandon Creighton as chancellor. Creighton will begin his term Nov. 19.
Previous TX-19 representatives:
1935 to 1979 George Mahon
1979 to 1985 Kent Hance
1985 to 2003 Larry Combest
2003 to 2017 Randy Neugebauer
Lubbock County Republican Party reaction
Statement from Lubbock County Republican Party Chairman David Bruegel: “Jodey Arrington has served admirably during his tenure as our congressman for district 19 and I thank him for his service to our country. As house budget chairman and a faithful ally of President Trump he leaves big shoes to fill.
“Jodey has always been willing and ready to assist the Lubbock County Republican Party in our mission to elect Republican candidates and promote Republican values. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.”
Democratic Candidate Statement
Kyle Rable is running for the Democratic nomination for this congressional seat. He released this statement: “Arrington clearly realized that the common person in West Texas is fed up with him and the Republican Party that has driven this region into back-breaking economic straits.
“Regardless of whoever stumbles out of the Republican Party Primary in West Texas to continue the diligent work of stealing money from the working class, I will be ready to fearlessly defend West Texans who are ready for a change.
“It does not matter that Arrington will no longer be running; we need to work to undo the harm that decades of Republican leadership have done to West Texas. I believe that the people of CD-19 deserve a representative who is willing to fight for the common folks and return the power back to the people of West Texas. Join me in standing for a new future for our district, irrespective of who the Republican Party decides to prop up against me.”
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