Congressman Mac Thornberry has announced he is not running for re-election in the Texas 13th district. Amarillo City Councilwoman and local small business owner Elaine Hays has formed an exploratory committee in anticipation of making a bid for Texas’s 13th Congressional District, according to a news release from Hays' office.

The press release highlights her background:

Hays is a mother of four and has four grandchildren.

She is a small businesswoman, a triathlete and a former collegiate basketball player.

She earned her BBA in Marketing from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in finance and economics from West Texas A&M University.

Hays has authored two books on financial planning and runs the business with her husband, Tracy.

She has lived in Amarillo since 1985, where she has served her community in many different ways, including as a board member of the CareNet Pregnancy Center and Mission 2540.

She has served as Place One Councilwoman since 2017.

Hays also stated in the release:

"After much prayer and reflection, and with encouragement from my family, friends and neighbors, I have decided to explore running for Congress in the 13th district," Hays said. "We need to send someone to Washington who will fight for life, liberty, term limits, a balanced budget, and secure borders. We also need someone who will stand up to the far left in Congress and will fight for the conservative values of the 13th district."

You can register to vote in Texas here.

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