Texas Republican judge’s endorsement of Democrat shocks politics

TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley is wrapping up his final yr at his downtown workplace within the administration constructing.  His most up-to-date announcement has shortly turn into of the discuss throughout politics not simply within the county, however throughout Texas.

Whitley not too long ago appeared on WFAA’s award-winning podcast Y’all-itics, the place he shocked Texas politics in relation to statewide elections.  

Whitley is a longtime Republican who has not at all times gone with the established order in politics. 

“The one person who I will support statewide, that it will get me a little in trouble,” Whitley mentioned on the podcast, “Mike Collier for lieutenant governor.”

Collier is the Democrat operating towards Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. 

The Tarrant County decide blames Patrick for the state ignoring monetary obligations like state prisoner bills.

“So, when they pass a law down there, or they force us to keep their prisoners, that’s a state-mandated property tax increase. We used to call it unfunded mandates,” mentioned Whitley.

Patrick declined WFAA’s interview concerning the endorsement. 

But on Twitter, Patrick wrote: 

“It’s no surprise Judge Whitley, who made Tarrant County property taxes among the highest in Texas, doesn’t get it. People are being taxed out of their homes by big spending local governments. Collier and Whitley are two-of-a-kind, tax-hiking, big spenders.” 

Collier shared with WFAA  that native spending has been on the heart of talks between him and Whitley up to now. Those talks have included how a lot Tarrant County has to spend because of a scarcity of state funding assist. 

“I am honored he has endorsed me,” mentioned Mike Collier, “We have talked many times over the years about the reason why property taxes are exploding.”

While native Republicans in Tarrant County name Whitley’s endorsement disappointing, native Democrats hope Whitley’s endorsement pays off.  

Kendyll Locke serves because the Tarrant County Democratic Party’s vice chair. He has met Whitley up to now and describes him as an individual involved about native spending as a result of he’s a voter like everybody else.

Locke mentioned, “I think we’re going to see a lot more of that from a lot of other individuals as we near the election.”

In a press release to WFAA, Tarrant County Republican Party chair Rick Barnes mentioned:

“While I am disappointed in the endorsement Mr. Whitley has made against Lt. Governor Patrick, I am not at all surprised. Mr. Whitley has not been in line with the Republican Party for some time now and he continues that position today. Fortunately, Mr. Whitley does not lead the Party in any manner, and we will continue to work hard in supporting our entire Republican ticket, from Governor to Constable.”

Despite endorsing a Democrat on the state stage, Whitley is satisfied Texas will stay a pink state.  

He even shared with Y’all-itics that he has no issues about Texas turning purple, which might point out a transfer that Republican voters are beginning to vote Democrat.