Darby Addresses Last Night's Victory

“Last night, the voters in House District 72 sent a loud and clear message: We can’t be bought!,” Rep. Darby said. “The outcome is not just a victory for our campaign but for rural Texas. Out here, we still believe in supporting our public schools and teachers. The people of House District 72 are smart, engaged, and passionate, and we don’t take kindly to outsiders—whether they be in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or Virginia—telling us what to think or how to vote. I will never sell out our communities to the highest bidder.”

Darby noted that his team of dedicated volunteers, supporters, friends, and family spent the last few months on the campaign trail facing an onslaught of bitter, negative advertising in mailboxes and on television screens. Darby claimed over $1 million was spent trying to distort his conservative record.

With no general election opponent, Darby said he will hit the ground running for the 89th Legislative Session in January 2025. He said he looks forward to continuing the fight to secure the border, protect Texas children, and support public education and teachers. 

“I look forward to working with state leadership in the next legislative session to advance our shared rural conservative values and policies that benefit West Texas,” said Rep. Darby. “I am beyond honored to continue to represent our communities in the Texas House, and regardless of whether you voted for me or not, I look forward to working each and every day to deliver meaningful results for you and your family.”

Darby was one of only two Texas House incumbents to overcome the onslaught of PAC money and inflated campaign donations delivered by well-monied benefactors of Gov. Greg Abbott whose purpose was to reshape the legislature to be more favorable to a multi-billion dollar taxpayer-funded private school voucher program. 

Rep. Stan Lambert in HD-71 that includes Abilene was the only other victor against Abbott's onslaught. He narrowly defeated Liz Case 52.4% to 47.6%.

Here are the results of the Abbott-financed campaigns to unseat Republican Texas House members:

In Stephenville, Rep. Glenn Rogers (TX-60), was soundly defeated by the Abbott-backed challenger Mike Olcott 63.4% to 36.6%. Rogers, however, is not leaving quietly. He penned an editorial in the Weatherford Democrat today where, in true rural Texas form, he quoted Davy Crockett.

“I’ll Wear No Man’s Collar” -Davy Crockett

Rogers concluded his piece with a scathing rebuke of what Gov. Greg Abbott will bring to his state.

"History will prove that our current state government is the most corrupt ever and is 'bought' by a few radical dominionist billionaires seeking to destroy public education, privatize our public schools and create a Theocracy that is both un-American and un-Texan," Rogers penned.