Taylor won't seek reelection to Texas Senate: 'This has been a very difficult decision'

Texas State Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) decided that he would not run for reelection.  

Taylor said the decision proved to be contentious, but he reflected on his time in public service as a great honor.

"This has been a very difficult decision, as having the privilege of representing my community in the legislature for nearly two decades has been the biggest honor of my life. Together, with my colleagues in the Legislature, we have dealt with multiple challenges and worked to secure Texas’ future as a leader for our country. I am so proud of our work and so incredibly blessed to have been a part of it,” Taylor said.

Taylor added that being a public servant required a “major commitment of time away from your family and friends” and he played a critical role in school finance, working on education issues, according to The Texas Tribune.

The incumbent chair of the Senate Education Committee, Taylor was first elected to the House of Representatives and was a member of the state legislature since 2003, according to CBS Austin.

Taylor’s decision is just two weeks before the election filing deadline and a fellow Houston peer, state Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville), has stated his plans to run for Taylor’s seat, according to CBS Austin.  

“I just filed to be your next state senator for #SD11. I’m asking for your prayers, your support and your vote,” Middleton wrote on Twitter. “Thank you Sen. Larry Taylor for your years of dedicated service and leadership in SD 11 and the Texas legislature. God Bless you and your family.”

According to The Texas Tribune, as word of Taylor’s decision unfolded, he told the Galveston Daily News that he decided to retire because of Middleton’s desire to take his place and had tried to convince Middleton otherwise, but that he is “ready to go and wanting to spend a lot of money.”