Tyler, Texas – In the wake of the 2026 midterm elections that gave Democrats control of the Texas House of Representatives, two East Texas Republican legislators outlined how they intend to work across the aisle to safeguard the region’s water supplies.
Hefner stresses water as a non‑partisan issue
State Rep. Cole Hefner, who represents Rains, Wood, Camp, Upshur and the northern part of Smith County, called the election outcome a surprise for everyone. He said Republicans must unite to serve the constituents who elected them and that water policy should rise above party lines.
“We have to make our case that this is important, that we manage this resource responsibly and protect it for generations to come,” Hefner told reporters. “It’s not really a partisan issue… it’s a Texas issue that we will be talking through and communicating with our colleagues, hoping to be successful in getting the bill through the process.”
Harris outlines a defensive stance and collaborative goals
State Rep. Cody Harris, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee until January and representative for Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Navarro and the eastern portion of Henderson County, said the loss of the Republican majority will require a shift in strategy.
“We in East Texas are unquestionably on defense,” Harris said.
He added that his priority for the upcoming session is to educate both Republican and Democratic colleagues about the long‑term consequences of short‑term groundwater pumping.
“A short‑term benefit in pumping East Texas groundwater is actually a long‑term detriment to the people of the state of Texas,” Harris explained.
Seeking innovative solutions
Both lawmakers expressed support for forward‑looking water initiatives. Harris highlighted water desalination, partnerships with the oil and gas industry, and collaboration with universities as avenues to address the more than 200 million barrels of water that are currently reinjected into the ground each day by the state’s oil and gas operations.
“My goal going into this next session is to make sure I help the rest of the chamber understand that we need innovative water solutions,” Harris said.
Implications for East Texas communities
The discussion comes at a time when many East Texas towns rely on groundwater for drinking water, agriculture and industry. Residents have voiced concerns about declining water tables and the potential impact on future growth.
Local water districts and civic groups are watching the legislative effort closely, hoping that bipartisan cooperation will produce policies that balance economic development with long‑term water sustainability.
Looking ahead
With the new Democratic majority, the upcoming legislative session will test whether the promises of cooperation can translate into concrete action. Hefner and Harris say they are prepared to engage with their new colleagues, emphasizing that protecting East Texas water is a shared responsibility that transcends party affiliation.
“We’ll keep the conversation focused on the science, the economics and the stewardship of our natural resources,” Hefner concluded.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
