Rives campaign

Randy Rives won’t officially say he’s making a run at state office, but the $22,000 he collected in two months indicates a serious push for the state representative seat.

Rives, an Ector County Independent School District trustee, reported $22,550 in political campaign contributions to the Texas Ethics Commission on Monday, the final day to file a semiannual report.

Rives maintains he isn’t sure he’ll officially challenge for the District 81 state representative office, currently held by Buddy West, an eight-term Republican incumbent.

“We’re not quite ready, but we’re close,” Rives said.

West has been in office since 1993, but on May 27 he announced on the state House floor this term might be his last as he faces serious health issues. However, West has never formally announced his retirement and recently said his physical condition has improved enough that he may defend his position.

West didn’t raise any money during this six-month filing period that mostly coincided with the 80th legislative period, according to his campaign finance report. He maintained $38,000 in his war chest from previous fund-raising — after spending $29,000 during the session.

Nearly half of the Rives’ gifts came from family members. His father, Billy Rives, donated $5,000, as did Randy Rives’ wife, Denise. Fellow ECISD trustee Renda Berryhill and her husband, Jamie, donated $1,200.

Rives wasn’t allowed to collect money until he filed a campaign treasurer with the ethics commission on May 1.

Rives held a fund-raiser last Friday. Any contributions to him since June 30 will not be reported until Jan. 15.

“Friday went well,” Rives said but hesitated to estimate how many people attended. “We’re still getting some funds in. … We were surprised at how many did show up.”

Meanwhile, Tryon Lewis, an Odessa attorney and former district judge, is expected to announce his run for the state office that represents Ector, Winkler and Andrews counties today at the Presidential Museum.

John Wilkins, former Permian High football coaching legend and current Ector County Democrat Party chairman, is considering a campaign as well.

Candidates can’t file their official intentions until Dec. 3.