Support Reed Williams for Texas Senate
The Texas Senate District 24 seat occupied by Troy Fraser is up for grabs. In June, the senator from Horseshoe Bay announced he would be stepping down after 19 years. Vying to replace him are six ready and capable Republican candidates.
As expected, the contenders agree on a variety of issues that would resonate with Republican Party politics, including limiting government, opposing immigration and supporting anti-abortion policies. On the matter of Austin Energy, most of the candidates would support the deregulation of the city-owned public utility provider, as did Fraser.
After taking a closer look at each candidate, we urge voters to choose Reed Williams in the March Republican primary race.
What sets Williams apart from the others is his experience in elected office and willingness to look at a much broader picture, which would be an asset for constituents of this solidly Republican district that stretches about 20,000 square miles, from Abilene to the northwest suburbs of Austin. Williams, a retired oil executive who now grows grapes for wineries, amassed valuable experience on the issues of energy, water and budgetary planning during his six-year tenure as a San Antonio public servant. He spent four years as a council member representing North Side and two years as a trustee on the San Antonio Water System. Williams’ knowledge of the issues that affect both urban and rural residents would make him an effective voice for Senate District 24.
That said, this is a crowded race — and Republican voters have a capable group of candidates from which to choose.
Also running are Dr. Dawn Buckingham of Lakeway, Ryan Downton of Temple, Jon Cobb of Lakeway, State Rep. Susan King of Abilene and Dr. Brent Mayes of Fredericksburg.
Buckingham, an Austin ophthalmologist, served on the Lake Travis Independent School District’s board and as vice chair of the State Board of Educator Certification. Buckingham also served as a lieutenant governor appointee to the Sunset Advisory Commission in the past legislative session and has the backing of former Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Charles Schwertner.
King — who did not accept our invitation for a meeting — has served five twoyear terms in the Texas House. King, R-Abilene, suspended her House race to run for Fraser’s empty seat. In her tenure in the House, King has consistently championed conservative policies, especially with regard to immigration. Last session, she authored a bill that would have pushed chronically ill immigrant children down on a growing waiting list for services through a state and federally funded program. The bill died in the Senate.
In San Antonio, Williams earned a reputation as a strong unifying voice on the council. His colleagues and critics praise his ability to tackle complicated and controversial issues, including rate increases at CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System. Voters should take note of such experience.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Virginia “Jennie Lou” Leeder of Llano in November. Early voting begins Feb. 16.