Amarillo City Councilwoman Elaine Hays is considering a bid to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry.
Hays/Photo by KFDA
Hays, who has served on the Amarillo City Council since 2017, announced on Monday that she is exploring a bid to replace Thornberry. Hays is a financial planner who previously sought the seat in 2014, falling short in her long shot primary bid to unseat Thornberry. In a statement, she thanked Thornberry for his service to the district and said she is considering the campaign to advance the “conservative values of the 13th district.”
"I want to thank Congressman Mac Thornberry for his years of public service to the people of the 13th district. I wish him and his family well. After much prayer and reflection, and with encouragement from my family, friends and neighbors, I have decided to explore running for Congress in the 13th district,” Hays said.
According to the Texas Tribune, Hays is not the only person to consider launching a bid for the seat. The Tribune’s Patrick Svitek reports that Josh Winegarner, director of government relations for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, is also considering a bid for the seat. Democrat Greg Sagan is the lone candidate in that primary at this time.
The race to replace Thornberry will be held in 2020.