Jared Woodfill, a well-known anti-LGBTQ+ attorney and former Harris County GOP chair, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Texas House, seeking to replace House Speaker Dade Phelan. Woodfill’s announcement of his candidacy for House District 138 has ignited political fervor as he emphasizes his legal battles against COVID-19 mandates and LGBTQ+ legislation.
During his tenure as the local GOP’s leader from 2002 to 2014, Woodfill proudly highlights the four “Republican sweeps” that Harris County Republicans achieved. In his campaign, he is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Lacey Hull, who secured her position in 2020 with strong support from Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw. Hull’s conservative voting record, as assessed by Rice University political scientist Mark Jones, further solidifies her position within the party.
The Battle Within the GOP
Woodfill’s campaign strategy takes aim at Hull by labeling her as a Republican in Name Only (RINO) and citing low ratings from conservative activist groups. It also accuses her of collaborating with House Speaker Dade Phelan, a longstanding adversary of Woodfill and other ultraconservative Texas Republicans, to undermine conservative legislation and support the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Woodfill’s campaign website asserts, “Woodfill will be ready on Day 1 to bring decency back to HD 138, and return our conservative grassroots values back to the Texas House of Representatives.”
A Controversial Figure with a History
Jared Woodfill has long been associated with conservative Christian and anti-LGBTQ+ movements in Houston and Texas. In 2015, he played a pivotal role in defeating an ordinance aimed at extending equal rights protections to LGBTQ+ Houstonians, drawing controversy by comparing gay people to Nazis and promoting divisive rhetoric.
Woodfill’s close ties with Dr. Steven Hotze, a prominent Houston GOP figure and anti-gay activist, have remained steadfast. Together, they led a fundraising group in support of Attorney General Ken Paxton during his impeachment proceedings and initiated legal challenges against COVID-19 restrictions and election results in Harris County.
Notably, Woodfill faces ongoing legal challenges himself, including his involvement in a lawsuit concerning allegations of sexual abuse against his former law partner, Paul Pressler. This contentious legal battle is scheduled for trial early next year.
In addition, in 2018, Woodfill came under investigation for alleged money laundering by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, although no charges were ultimately filed.
Rep. Lacey Hull, who secured a resounding victory in HD 138 last year, is set to face a fierce battle as she seeks reelection amidst Woodfill’s bid for the Texas House.