Eltife Won’t Run for Senate in 2016; Simpson Says He Will

TYLER — State Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler will not be running for re-election in 2016. The news comes shortly after Eltife was named the Senate’s president pro tem. The former Tyler mayor and city councilman tells KTBB he feels “it’s time to take a break.” He says he never set out to be a career politician but kept running because people asked him to. Eltife has served in the Senate since 2004. He says once out of office, he plans to stay involved in state government and local nonprofits. He adds, “I will still work hard in Austin make sure Northeast Texas is represented. I don’t have to hold office to do that.”

Meanwhile, state Representative David Simpson of Longview has announced on his Facebook page that he will be seeking the seat. According to that page, “We are excited to announce our campaign for Senate District 1 and intend to officially launch our efforts on June 22.” And State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola has announced Monday he will be running for Eltife’s senate seat. Hughes said his top priorities will continue to be securing the border, fighting for the pro-life cause, defending our second amendment rights, and ending frivolous government intrusion in our daily lives.”