In a press release issued this morning, House District 1 State Representative Gary VanDeaver announced that he will not seek another term as the representative for Northeast Texas. The release states:
After much prayerful consideration and discussion with family and close friends, I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2026. I will continue to work hard to represent the great people of HD 1 throughout the remainder of my current term, which will end in January, 2027.
The opportunity to serve in the Texas House has been one of the greatest honors of my life. owe a debt of gratitude to my wife, Pam, and the rest of my family for the sacrifices they have made to allow me this opportunity to serve. Throughout my six terms, I have been privileged to serve under the leadership of four outstanding Speakers, and alongside hundreds offellow members who are some of the most selfless servant leaders the state has to offer.
I am deeply grateful to the great people of HDl for the trust you have shown in me. While much of my work over the past decade has been with a focus on making Texas better, I have always tried to view that work through the lens of ensuring rural Texas, and especially our little corner here in Northeast Texas, is positioned for the brightest future possible. Though I will no longer be serving in the Texas legislature, I will continue to work to ensure the Texas my grandchildren inherit is better than the one I have known and loved all my life.
As I recall some of the accomplishments of the past decade, too many people come to mind to thank individually in this document, but I must acknowledge that any success I have enjoyed is a direct result of the amazing staff I have been so blessed to work with. I also want to offer a special thanks to Speaker Dustin Burrows for the incredible opportunities he has given me.
I once heard a great Texan say, "I often tell people: there is still a land of hope in America, it is a place called Texas". May that always be true!
Look to a future issue of the Tribune for a story on the achievements of Rep. Gary VanDeaver in his years as our HD1 State Representative.
