Incumbent unable to secure GOP nomination
(Seguin) — Longtime State Representative John Kuempel will not be returning to Austin next year. Kuempel, who has served the District 44 Texas House since 2010, lost his bid for the Republican nomination during Tuesday’s Republican Primary Runoff Election. Newcomer Alan Schoolcraft managed to defeat Kuempel after garnering the most votes in the district that includes both Guadalupe and Gonzales Counties.
Schoolcraft, received 8,898 of the votes cast while Kuempel trailed behind with 7,129 votes.
Schoolcraft declared victory even before the final box of votes was in — unseating Kuempel near the end of his 7th term.
Schoolcraft says he is amazed by the overwhelming support that he has been shown and is looking forward to finishing the final leg of this race come November.
“My first thought is to thank John Kuempel, and the entire Kuempel family for the 40 years of service to the community, which is a tremendous service that I respect. Now, moving on, I’m just thankful for the opportunity the voters are giving me and I look forward to winning in November and then going to Austin to represent Guadalupe and Gonzales Counties,” said Schoolcraft.
Schoolcraft, who previously served in the legislature in the late 80s and early 90s, earned the early endorsements of President Trump, Senator Cruz and Governor Abbott due to what he says are his conservative credentials and staunch support for school choice.
“I am grateful to the voters of HD-44 and for the support I’ve received from countless conservative champions and state leaders including President Donald Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and Senator Ted Cruz.
There is nothing more important tonight than the future of conservative values for our district and for Texas. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work for the people of this district on closing the border, empowering parents, and protecting family values,” said Schoolcraft.
Although the results are clearly not what he had hoped for, Kuempel extends congratulations to Schoolcraft and says he remains appreciative for the years that he has been able to serve his constituents.
“From the bottom of our hearts, Michelle and I are so grateful for the privilege of representing Gonzales, Guadalupe and Wilson counties over the last fourteen years and beyond that for serving our neighbors for the last forty one years as a Kuempel family. We congratulate Mr. Schoolcraft on his victory and wish him the best,” said Kuempel.
Schoolcraft now goes on to face Eric Norman, who ran unopposed in the Democrat primary. The two will go head to head in the November 5 General Election.