Republican State Senator Kel Seliger announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to the job he has held since 2004.
“After thoughtful consideration and with the reassurance of my family, including my new very vocal granddaughter, I have decided not to be a candidate for re-election to the Texas Senate. From my first campaign in 1989 to today, I have felt overwhelmingly proud to serve the Panhandle, South Plains and the Permian Basin.”
The announcement follows Seliger’s comments that members of his own party were using redistricting to oust him after years of tension with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
The Texas Tribune recently reported Seliger was up in the air about running again.
He would have faced a primary challenge from Kevin Sparks, a Midland oilman who previously served on the board of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the Austin-based conservative think tank. Sparks was endorsed recently by former President Donald Trump who also called Seliger a RINO — Republican in name only.
Following that endorsement, Seliger told the Texas Tribune that “it comes as no surprise.” He also said recent re-districting was used by his Republican colleagues in the Senate in a way that he says is designed to hobble a potential reelection bid.
Seliger authored hundreds of pieces of legislation, most notably, Senate Bill 463, creating Individual Graduation Committees and Senate Bill 150, providing capital construction projects at every higher education institution in the state. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the reworking of high stakes testing regimens in public schools. He also authored the first bill requiring ethical disclosure of dark money in political campaigns in the nation.
State Rep. Brooks Landgraf said Seliger will be missed in the Texas Senate.
“Always a gentleman, Sen. Seliger never compromised his sincerely-held principles as a smart and thoughtful lawmaker,” Landgraf said. “Although he and I didn’t agree on every issue, we were always able to work together on projects important to the constituents we share. From the Panhandle to the Permian Basin, West Texas is better because of Kel Seliger’s service to our state.”
Seliger said it was an honor to represent the people, schools, and businesses of Senate District 31 for the past 17 years in the Texas Legislature. “The opportunity to serve as chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, as well a longtime member of the Finance and Education Committees, allowed me to be impactful in areas of great importance to me and the entire state.”
Odessa Chamber of Commerce CEO Renee Earls said Seliger has always been responsive “to our needs and concerns. He’s a big advocate for public education among other community issues. We certainly appreciate him and will miss working with him and his staff.”
Landgraf offered his congratulations to Seliger “on a distinguished and impactful career in public service to Texas. He leaves a proud legacy and big shoes to fill. Shelby and I send Sen. Seliger and Nancy our best wishes as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”
Seliger’s news release stated he remains dedicated to the fundamental principles of smaller government, local control, and real fiscal conservatism. “I will continue to serve the great constituents of Senate District 31 for the remainder of my term. I am forever grateful for my family, supporters, staff, and those who have worked on my behalf since 2004. Thank you for placing your trust in me as your Texas State Senator.”
