East Texas voters will have a new choice for State Senate District 3 as longtime State Representative Trent Ashby throws his hat in the ring. Ashby, who has served in the Texas House since 2013, announced his candidacy to succeed retiring Senator Robert Nichols, who is stepping down after nearly two decades in the chamber.
Background on the open seat
Sen. Nichols announced his departure earlier this year, creating the first open Senate race in District 3 since the 2000s. The district, which stretches from Longview to Tyler and includes parts of Gregg, Rusk, and Smith counties, has been a Republican stronghold for many years.
Candidate profiles
Trent Ashby (R) brings more than a decade of legislative experience. During his tenure in the House, he has focused on issues important to families and faith communities, such as protecting parental rights in education, supporting small‑business growth, and advocating for responsible fiscal policy. Ashby says his goal is to bring that same commitment to the Senate, emphasizing “strong families, sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and the protection of our constitutional freedoms.”
Bobby Tillman (D) is the Democratic challenger. Tillman, a local attorney and community activist, argues that District 3 needs fresh perspectives on health‑care access, infrastructure investment, and education funding. He positions himself as a pragmatic reformer who will work across the aisle to address the region’s economic challenges.
Other contested East Texas races
The Senate race is part of a broader slate of contested contests in East Texas for the 2026 legislative session. Notable races include:
- State Senate District 1: incumbent Bryan Hughes (R) vs. Laticia Ambroz (D)
- State Senate District 2: incumbent Bob Hall (R) vs. Keenen Colbert (D)
- State House District 1: Chris Spencer (R) vs. Sean Huffman (D)
- State House District 5: incumbent Cole Hefner (R) vs. Hector Garza (D)
- State House District 6: incumbent Daniel Alders (R) vs. Lorenzo Johnson (D)
- State House District 7: incumbent Jay Dean (R) vs. Fantasha Allen (D)
- State House District 8: incumbent Cody Harris (R) vs. Jeff Chavez (D)
- State House District 9: Rocky Thigpen (R) vs. Shelley Tatum (D)
- State House District 11: incumbent Joanne Shofner (R) vs. Roxanne Lathan (D)
What the race means for voters
For constituents in District 3, the contest will be decided at the November 2026 primary and general elections. Both candidates have pledged to hold town‑hall meetings across the district, giving voters a chance to hear directly on issues ranging from agricultural policy to broadband expansion. Local churches, civic groups, and business associations are expected to play a role in voter outreach, reflecting the community‑first spirit of East Texas politics.
Looking ahead
With the primary filing deadline approaching, campaign volunteers are already mobilizing. Ashby’s campaign emphasizes his record of supporting traditional families and protecting individual liberty, while Tillman’s team highlights a platform of pragmatic solutions to regional challenges. As the race develops, voters should watch for endorsements from local leaders, fundraising reports, and any policy debates that arise during the campaign season.
East Texas residents can stay informed by following local news outlets, attending candidate forums, and checking the Texas Secretary of State’s website for official filing dates and election calendars.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
