TEXPAC Scores More Victories

Ninety-three percent of the statewide candidates TEXPAC endorsed in the Nov. 4 election won their races, proving once again that physicians and alliance members can make a difference when they get involved.

As part of a bundle of state and federal wins on Election Day, TEXPAC worked hard to turn out the physician and alliance vote for Fort Worth pediatrician Mark Shelton, MD. Dr. Shelton defeated an incumbent Democratic trial lawyer to win Texas House of Representatives District 97. That makes him and Rep. John Zerwas, MD (R-Richmond), the only two physicians - and TMA members - in the House.

The only TMA member in Congress, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Lewisville), was re-elected and announced he is running to become chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, which would place him as the number four most powerful member in the House Republican caucus. All four of TEXPAC's endorsed statewide candidates (PDF) (U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and three Texas Supreme Court justices) won, as did all but one of the congressional candidates we backed and most of those TEXPAC supported for the Texas House and Senate.

In addition to the candidate educational effort undertaken throughout this election. TEXPAC already has begun bridging towards newly elected lawmakers through personal outreach efforts. This includes candidates it supported as well as those supported by the local physician community. TEXPAC recognizes and appreciates the importance of all TMA physicians committing to be politically active and support their candidate of choice. In the end, the foundation built and resources brought to bear by local physicians working together with TEXPAC ensure that medicine is well positioned for continued success in Congress and the Texas Legislature.