Jackie Schlegel Announces Bid For Tinderholt's House Seat

Jackie Schlegel, an advocate for constitutional and parental rights, has announced her bid for Texas House District 94. State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R) announced this month that would not be seeking re-election, leading to small business owner Cheryl Bean (R) announcing her own bid. Schlegel and Bean will now face a primary election on March 2026.

In Texas, Schlegel is known for leading Texans for Medical Freedom as well as opposing COVID-19 mandates.

"I'm a conservative constitutional fighter," she said in her announcement. "I led the hardest, biggest fight against the radical leftist Biden regime during COVID — and won. I will fight to shut the border down, empower parents in education, and dismantle liberal bureaucratic overreach. It is time to end the excuses out of Austin."

In the upcoming Republican primary, District 94 is poised to be an important battleground. State Rep. Tinderholt, who currently represents the district, however, has already endorsed Bean as his preferred successor, which sets up a competitive intra-party contest.

In a video shared on social media, state Rep. Tinderholt shared his confidence that Bean “will continue to fight for the conservative values” that he pursued in his 12 years in the Texas House. “I can’t wait to see her win and head to the Texas House to continue that same fight that I’ve done,” he said.

Schlegel’s entry into the race now tests Bean’s momentum as both candidates court conservative voters.

Schlegel has pledged to focus on border security, property tax relief, and parental rights in education, which are all top issues for Republican primary voters. She is also a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump (R) and his “America First” agenda, and she argues that her campaign is fueled by “everyday Texans” who are frustrated with establishment politics.

“Unlike many political hopefuls jumping from race to race, I have a proven track record of service before self,” she affirmed.

State Rep. Tinderholt announced his retirement from the Texas House, shifting his political focus to a run for Tarrant County Commissioner.