Republican Chris Spencer, a longtime Cass County businessman, has been elected to represent Texas House District 1 after securing almost 72% of the vote in the November 2026 general election. Spencer received 44,895 votes, while Democratic challenger Sean Huffman earned 17,818, according to unofficial results from all 121 precincts across the five‑county district.
Strong turnout in Northeast Texas
The highest voter participation was recorded in Cass County, where 49.22% of the 21,881 registered voters cast ballots early, by mail, or in person on Election Day. District 1 encompasses Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Morris and Red River counties, with a total of 134,387 registered voters listed on the Secretary of State website.
Endorsements and political context
Spencer’s campaign was bolstered by the endorsement of Governor Greg Abbott, who has served as Texas’ governor since 2015. Abbott, however, lost his bid for reelection to state Democratic Representative Gina Hinojosa, marking a notable shift in statewide leadership.
Vacant seat filled after resignation
The District 1 seat had been vacant since the resignation of former Representative Gary VanDeaver in September. Spencer’s victory restores representation for the region and sets the stage for his anticipated service on the House Natural Resources Committee, a position he expressed interest in during his post‑election remarks.
Spencer’s remarks and future goals
“I am humbled by the support of Northeast Texas but am aware at the same time of completely new leadership in Austin at all levels,” Spencer told the Gazette on Wednesday. “I will seek consensus where our values align and work with my colleagues for a better Texas, and a better region for all of us.” His statement underscores a commitment to collaborative governance while emphasizing shared values rooted in family, faith, and liberty.
Detailed vote totals by county
- Bowie County: Spencer – 18,561 (12,496 early); Huffman – 8,839 (6,754)
- Cass County: Spencer – 8,445 (5,994); Huffman – 2,324 (1,715)
- Lamar County: Spencer – 11,821 (8,230); Huffman – 4,377 (3,444)
- Morris County: Spencer – 2,928 (1,869); Huffman – 1,228 (890)
- Red River County: Spencer – 3,140 (2,060); Huffman – 1,050 (799)
The decisive margins across all five counties reflect strong regional support for Spencer’s platform, which aligns with the conservative values of many Northeast Texas voters.
What’s next for District 1
With the seat now filled, constituents can expect Spencer to advocate for policies that protect property rights, support local businesses, and uphold traditional family values. His anticipated role on the Natural Resources Committee will give him a voice in shaping Texas’ energy and environmental legislation, areas of particular importance to the district’s agricultural and industrial communities.
As the new legislative session approaches, Spencer’s focus on consensus‑building suggests a willingness to work across the aisle where common ground exists, while remaining steadfast on core conservative principles.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
