Chairman Ken King announced this week that he intends to run for the seat he currently holds representing 19 counties in the Texas Panhandle, South Plains, and the Permian Basin. Chairman King was first elected to the Texas House in 2012 and has had a highly successful run representing the hard-working Texans of House District 88.

He currently serves as the Chairman for the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures committee which oversees matters pertaining to the oversight of businesses, industries, general trades, and occupations regulated by the State of Texas. His committee has oversight of 12 state agencies that include the Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Texas Real Estate Commission, the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M, the Texas Lottery Commission, and the Texas Racing Commission. In addition to his duties regarding the licensing committee, Chairman King serves on the Public Education committee as he has since he was first elected.

“Every child deserves the best education, no matter their zip code. I have and will remain committed to working for the best outcomes for all children in Texas,” said King.

“The State of Texas is at a crossroad with numerous challenges ahead,” King said. “We need leaders that will stand up for West Texas and make sure that revenue generated from our oil and gas industry and agricultural industries benefit our rural communities. Just because it’s good for Houston, doesn’t mean it’s good for us.”

 Chairman King is a strong advocate for children across the state. He has fought to ban the teaching of critical race theory in our schools and was instrumental in passing legislation to prohibit biological boys from competing in girls’ sports. Additionally, Chairman King proudly voted for legislation to protect children from transgender mutilation surgeries, remove pornographic materials in schools and prohibit drag shows from being performed in front of children.

“I will always support a safe learning environment for our children,” King said, “including providing the resources necessary for all kid’s academic success. The goal should be that all kids read on grade level by the third grade, and to do this we need the best teachers. I will continue to support our education community as well as our retired educators as long as I serve.”  

Amidst a growing border crisis, King helped pass a record $5.1 billion appropriation to finish the border wall and to help fund additional troopers along the border. The border will continue to be a priority under his tenure.

Chairman King also understands the need for lowering property tax in Texas. “Texans shouldn’t have to rent the homes they own from the government,” he said. “I will continue to support using revenue generated by the State of Texas to help hard working Texans stay in their homes.”

This session the Legislature passed an $18 billion property tax relief measure, the largest property tax cut of its kind in American History. Two-thirds of the $18 billion goes toward immediate rate reductions, on top of a $100,000 homestead exemption and appraisal caps for non-homesteaded properties under $5 million.

The sanctity of life, marriage, and family are fundamental beliefs for Chairman King. “I am fighting every day to make sure my family can not only live, but thrive in a state where values matter. I would never do anything to jeopardize the support I receive from them. Therefore, my commitment to my family is also the commitment to all my constituents in House District 88. West Texas values are my values.”